My beloved brethren and sisters, I greet you this wintry day from the visitors' center at Sharon, Vermont, as we observe the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am here at the place of his birth. With me is Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust preside in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. We also recognize on the stand in the Conference Center members of the Quorum of the Twelve. Members of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric are in the congregation there. By means of satellite transmission, we will be moving back and forth between here and the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, more than 2,000 miles to the west of us. The entire service is being carried beyond the Conference Center to members of the Church throughout the world. What a remarkable and wonderful thing it is to observe the birth of the Prophet Joseph, whose extended shadow has now reached across the earth. The music for this commemorative program will be provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square, under the direction of Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg, with John Longhurst at the organ and George Dyer as soloist. The choir and congregation will now sing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," following which the invocation will be offered by President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The choir will then sing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." Following the singing, Elder Ballard will speak to us from the visitors' center here in Sharon, Vermont, standing by the original hearthstone of the modest home in which the Prophet was born on December 23, 1805. We will then return to the Conference Center, where the choir, with George Dyer as tenor soloist, will sing "The Seer, Joseph, the Seer," written by President John Taylor, who was with the Prophet and his brother Hyrum when they were martyred in 1844. President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, will then address us. The choir will then sing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," which John Taylor sang to his associates in the jail at Carthage that sultry 27th of June, 1844. President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, will then speak to us. The choir will then sing "Ode for Joseph," followed by "Praise to the Man Who Communed with Jehovah." [MUSIC - "WE THANK THEE, O GOD, FOR A PROPHET"]

[SINGING] We thank thee, o, God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days. We thank thee for sending the gospel to lighten our minds with its rays. We thank thee for every blessing bestowed by thy bounteous hand. We feel it a pleasure to serve thee and love to obey thy command.

When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us and threaten our peace to destroy, there is hope smiling brightly before us, and we know that deliv'rance is nigh. We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness. We've proved him in days that are past. The wicked who fight against Zion will surely be smitten at last. We'll sing of his goodness and mercy. We'll praise him by day and by night. Rejoice in his glorious gospel and bask in its life-giving light. Thus on to eternal perfection the honest and faithful will go. While they who reject this glad message shall never such happiness know.

Our Holy Father in Heaven, on this sacred occasion, we thank Thee for the privilege of being here and doing honor to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration.

Thy Son, the risen Lord, appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple. And the Lord whom we worship told Joseph Smith, whom we revere, "I am He who liveth. I am He who is slain. I am your advocate with the Father. I have accepted this house, and the things of this house will spread to foreign lands. And this is the beginning of blessings that shall be poured out." The name Joseph Smith, it was prophesied, would be known across the world. In testimony of that, this commemoration will be heard in 81 languages in 61 countries. We remember as well in this commemoration of Joseph Smith the Prophet his wife Emma Hale Smith, elect lady, his sweetheart, wife, and mother of his children. We pray that her memory will likewise be blessed. When the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred, 6 of their 11 children had already been buried. And four and a half months later, David Hyrum was born. We pray now that their descendants can be gathered in, brought within the power and inspiration and covenant of baptism to participate in those sacred ordinances that were revealed to us and to the world by the Prophet Joseph Smith. We pray Thy blessings upon this commemoration, that the spirit of it will be felt across the world. We pray that thou wilt empower President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet, seer, and revelator, successor to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the others who will participate, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Amen.

[MUSIC - "JOSEPH SMITH'S FIRST PRAYER"]

[SINGING] O how lovely was the morning. Radiant beamed the sun above. Bees were humming, sweet birds singing, music ringing through the grove.

When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love. When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love.

Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing 'twas the boy's first uttered prayer. When the powers of sin assailing filled his soul with deep despair.

But undaunted still he trusted in his heav'nly Father's care.

But undaunted still he trusted in his heav'nly Father's care.

Suddenly a light descended brighter far than noonday sun.

And a shining, glorious pillar o'er him fell, around him shone. While appeared two heav'nly beings, God the Father and the Son.

While appeared two heav'nly beings, God the Father and the Son.

Joseph, this is my beloved.

Hear him. Oh, how sweet the word.

Joseph's humble prayer was answered, and he listened to the Lord.

Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God. Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.

Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.

This is a special privilege for me to be here with President Hinckley at the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. This remarkable monument to his name here in Sharon, Vermont, was dedicated 100 years ago by my great-grandfather, President Joseph F. Smith. As he spoke of Tunbridge, the birthplace of his father, Hyrum, and contemplated the dedication of the monument to his Uncle Joseph, whom he loved, his voice choked with emotion, and his eyes filled with tears. Continuing to speak, he said, "My heart is like that of a child. It is easily touched, especially with love." On that occasion, my grandfather, Hyrum Mack Smith challenged the good citizens of Vermont that it would do them no harm to read the numerous tracts and books with prayerful hearts. On the contrary, he said, it will do you good. I echo the same challenge today to people everywhere in this world. President Brigham Young declared in 1859, "It was decreed in the councils of eternity long before the foundations of the Earth were laid that Joseph Smith should be the man in this last dispensation of this world to bring forth the word of God to the people and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had His eye upon him and upon his father and upon his father's father and upon their progenitors clear back to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain through the birth of that man. He was foreordained in the eternities to preside over this last dispensation." Joseph Smith's third great-grandfather, Robert Smith, emigrated from England in 1638, settling in Essex County, Massachusetts. His grandson, Samuel Smith Jr., born in 1714, was a captain in George Washington's army. Samuel's son Asael also served his country during the Revolutionary War. It was Asael, the Prophet's grandfather, who said, "It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith." On July 12, 1771, Asael Smith and his wife, Mary Duty, had a son whom they named Joseph. We know him as Father Smith. He married Lucy Mack, the daughter of Solomon and Lydia Mack. The property where Joseph and Lucy lived for a time and where the Prophet was born was purchased by Lucy's father in 1804. The Macks were descendants of John Lathrop, a courageous reformer born in 1584 in Yorkshire, England. He firmly believed and boldly taught that the gospel should be shared more freely with the common people and that they should be able to read the Bible for themselves. He was imprisoned for his teachings and finally released on condition that he leave England. With his family and some of his followers, he came to America. Joseph Smith Sr. suffered many financial challenges, causing him to move his family from small farm to small farm until finally the family settled in Palmyra. The hand of the Lord was at work, moving this family to where He needed them to be. The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ began when Joseph Smith Jr. knelt in the presence of God, our Eternal Father, and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in Palmyra's sacred grove. How grateful we should be for the faith and believing blood that blended together in the Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith family. Just think what could have happened when Joseph came home from the grove to the family cabin, and in response to his mother's question of, what is the matter, Joseph replied, never mind, all is well. Then he said to her, I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true. And add to that the morning of 1823 when Joseph was working with his father and was exhausted because of Moroni's visits during the previous night. As you know, Moroni appeared to him for the fourth time and instructed him to tell his father all that he had experienced. What would have happened if his father had not responded by telling Joseph it was of God and to go and do as commanded by the messenger? We do not know all that Joseph shared with his older brother Hyrum, but we do know that Hyrum believed and faithfully stood by Joseph. We know that Joseph's family was a great support to him. We also know Joseph suffered and so did his family because of what the Lord had called him to do. The constant harassment and buffeting may have been needed to keep the Lord's Prophet ever mindful of the price paid by our Lord Jesus Christ through His Atonement for the salvation of all the children of God. From the happy day of Joseph's birth until the fateful day of their death, Joseph and Hyrum were close companions. They were martyred in Carthage, sealing their testimonies as two witnesses of restored truth. When the brothers were laid side by side in the mansion house, mother Lucy Mack Smith cried out in agony, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken this family? She reported hearing a voice reply, I have taken them unto myself that they might have rest. Then as she looked upon the mortal remains of her two sons, she said, I seemed almost to hear them say, mother, weep not for us. We have overcome the world by love. We carried to them the gospel that their souls might be saved. They slew us for our testimony and thus placed us beyond their power. Their ascendancy is for a moment. Ours is an eternal triumph. Brothers and sisters, let our voices resound with praise to the man who communed with Jehovah. Let us ever thank God for the Prophet Joseph Smith, who began his mortal life here in this hallowed, peaceful woodland 200 years ago. May we honor his name by doing all that we can to further the great work of the Church. And may we also give thanks to our Father in Heaven for President Gordon B. Hinckley, our living prophet who guides the Church today. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

[SINGING] The Seer, the Seer. Joseph, the Seer. I'll sing of the Prophet ever dear. The Prophet ever dear.

His equal now cannot be found by searching the wide world around.

With Gods he soared in the realms of day. And men he taught the heavenly way. And men he taught the heavenly way. The earthly Seer. The heavenly Seer. I love to dwell on his memory dear, the chosen of God and the friend of man. He brought the priesthood back again. He gazed on the past and the future too. And opened, and opened the heavenly world to view. And opened, and opened the heavenly world to view.

The Saints, the Saints, his only pride. For them, he lived. For them, he died. He lived, for them he died.

Their joys were his, their sorrows too. He loved the Saints. He loved Nauvoo.

Unchanged in death with a Savior's love. He pleads their cause in the courts above. He pleads their cause in the courts above. The Seer, the Seer. Joseph, the Seer. O how I love his memory dear, the just and wise, the pure and free. A father he was and is to me. Let fiends now rage in their dark hour. No matter. No matter. He is beyond their power. No matter. No matter. He is beyond their power. We'll meet him. We'll meet him, our martyred Seer in heaven. We'll meet him. We'll meet him, our martyred Seer in heaven.

No person can understand this Church and its mission without knowing of its divine origin. Every person who claims membership in the Church should have his or her own personal witness concerning the truthfulness of the remarkable story of Joseph Smith, of his beginnings, of his teachings, of his testimony, and of his life. The early history of this Church is quite complete and has been combed over many times, but the impression that looms largest is the stature of Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith will be discussed, debated, and challenged, but no one can argue with the success of the work which he introduced. What makes this work really live is the individual testimony of the members of the Church that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration. The Doctrine and Covenants tells us, you shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant Joseph Smith Jr. In October 1839, the Prophet Joseph Smith, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon, Porter Rockwell, and Elias Higbee, made a visit to Washington, DC to seek redress for the persecution of the Saints in Missouri. They then journeyed on to Philadelphia to declare the gospel. Elder Parley P. Pratt was there and gave this report. "While visiting with Brother Joseph in Philadelphia, a very large church was opened for him to preach in, and about 3,000 people assembled to hear him. Brother Rigdon spoke first and dwelled on the gospel, illustrating his doctrine by the Bible. When he was through, Brother Joseph arose like a lion about to roar and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power, bearing testimony of the visions he had seen, of the ministering of angels which he had enjoyed, and how he had found the plates of the Book of Mormon and translated them by the gift and the power of God." He commenced by saying, "If no one else had the courage to testify of so glorious a message from heaven and the findings of so glorious a record, he felt to do it in justice to the people and leave the event to God. The entire congregation were astounded, electrified as it were, and overwhelmed by the sense of truth and power by which he spoke and the wonders which he related." This is entirely in keeping with the Lord's admonition to Thomas B. Marsh, which applies to all of us: you shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant Joseph Smith Jr. One of the most significant of these things is the nature of the Godhead. Joseph Smith saw in vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the sacred grove in Palmyra, New York. Of this great vision he wrote, "When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages whose brightness and glory defy all description." This simple statement clarified centuries of speculation. He had seen God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ face to face and had conversed with Them as one man converses with another. Other things which have been revealed to Joseph Smith Jr., which we are under obligation to declare, include the great plan of happiness, the knowledge of where we came from, why we are here, and where we may go. We are also indebted to Joseph Smith for the Book of Mormon and the great truths that it contains. During his lifetime, the Prophet Joseph was imprisoned several times. Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants contains a comforting message to the Prophet while imprisoned and a powerful doctrine concerning the priesthood. Verse seven reads, "My son, peace be unto thy soul. Thine adversity and thine affliction shall be but a small moment." Verse 46 reads, "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth. And thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever." This section was written in March 1839 while he was in jail in Liberty, Missouri. An earlier prison term was in Richmond in the preceding November of 1838. Of that experience the Prophet later recalled that my great-great-grandfather Amos Lyman was one of my fellow prisoners bound in the same chain in the Richmond jail, Missouri. It was at that same Richmond jail when the prison guards were using such foul and blasphemous language that the Prophet Joseph suddenly arose and spoke like a voice of thunder. "Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke you and commend you to be still. I will not live another minute and hear such language; cease such talk, or you or I die this instant." There is safety in staying close to the things which have been revealed to my servant Joseph Smith Jr. In so doing, we can be counted among those of whom the Prophet Joseph wrote, "These love the God I serve. They love the truths I promulgate. They love those virtuous and those holy doctrines that I cherish in my bosom with the warmest feelings of my heart." And with a zeal which cannot be denied, all this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Amen.

[MUSIC - "A POOR WAYFARING MAN OF GRIEF"]

[SINGING] A poor wayfaring man of grief hath often crossed me on my way, who sued so humbly for relief that I could never answer nay. I had not power to ask his name where to he went or whence he came. Yet there was something in his eye that won my love. I knew not why. Once when my scanty meal was spread, he entered. Not a word he spake. Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all. He blessed it, break. And ate, but gave me part again. Mine was an angel's portion then. For while I fed with eager haste, the crust was manna to my taste.

In prison I saw him next, condemned to meet a traitor's doom at morn. The tide of lying tongues I stemmed and honored him midst shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal to try. He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak. My blood ran chill, but the free spirit cried, I will.

Then in a moment to my view, the stranger started from disguise. The tokens in his hands I knew. The Savior stood before mine eyes. He spake, and my poor name he named. Of me thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds shall thy memorial be. Fear not, thou didst them unto me.

These deeds shall thy memorial be. Fear not, thou didst them unto me.

My brothers and sisters, how grateful I am for the privilege to speak to you this evening as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. More than 2,300 years before his birth, his mission was foretold. Lehi, quoting from the writings of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, declared, a choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins. And he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. And his name shall be called after me, and it shall be after the name of his father. Joseph Smith Jr., son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, was born 200 years ago today. By any account, he was a remarkable individual. In 1933, one author penned this tribute to Joseph Smith. Here is a man who was born in the stark hills of Vermont, who was reared in the backwoods of New York, who never looked inside a college or high school, who lived in six states, no one of which would own him during his lifetime. He spent months in the vile prisons of the period and even when he had his freedom was hounded like a fugitive. He was covered once with a coat of tar and feathers and left for dead. He was driven by irate neighbors from New York to Ohio, from Ohio to Missouri, and from Missouri to Illinois. At the age of 38, he was shot to death by a mob with painted faces. Through Joseph Smith, the gospel which had been lost during centuries of apostasy was restored. The priesthood and its keys were received. The doctrines of salvation were revealed. The gospel and temple ordinances along with the sealing power were returned. And in 1839, the Church of Jesus Christ was reestablished on the earth. Though reviled and persecuted, the Prophet Joseph never wavered in his testimony of Jesus Christ. His peers watched him lead with dignity and grace, endure hardships, and time and again, rise to new challenges until his divine mission was completed. Today that heritage he established still shines for all the world to see. The teachings he translated and his legacy of love for his fellowman continue in the millions of hearts touched by the message he declared so long ago. Few in this dispensation have paid so dearly for an irrevocable testimony of Jesus Christ as did Joseph Smith. On June 18, 1844, he gave what was to be his last sermon. He very likely knew that he would not again address his people. His concluding remarks were these. "God has tried you. You are a good people. I love you with all my heart. Greater love hath no man than that he should lay down his life for his friends. You have stood by me in the hour of trouble, and I am willing to sacrifice my life for your preservation. May the Lord God of Israel bless you forever and ever." His words sank deep into the hearts of the people. It was the last time in the flesh that they were to listen to his voice or to feel his inspiration. Ultimately, the Prophet Joseph was slain by evil men who assumed the Church would collapse after his death. George Q. Cannon, who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a counselor to several Church Presidents, wrote, "The enemies of truth were sure that they had now destroyed the work, and yet it lives, greater and stronger after the lapse of years. It is indestructible, for it is the work of God. And knowing that it is the eternal work of God, we know that Joseph Smith, who established it, was a prophet holy and pure." End quote. The gospel restored by our beloved Prophet Joseph blesses our lives. I love the declaration of Elder Stephen L. Richards spoken in general conference in October 1936 when he said, "If any man has received in his heart the witness of the divine truth embraced in the contributions of the Prophet Joseph, I charge him to be true-- true to his testimony, true to the Prophet, the founder, true to the cause and its duly commissioned leaders, true to the covenants he's made in holy places, and true to the brotherhood of man in the service that he renders. If any man has not received this witness, I appeal for his thoughtful, prayerful, sympathetic consideration. I offer to him out of the experience of my life a humble but certain assurance that if he will receive and apply the teachings of Joseph Smith, he will be made happy. Doubt and uncertainty will leave him. Glorious purpose will come into his life. Family ties will be sweeter. Friendships will be dearer. Service will be nobler. And the peace of Christ will be his portion." End quote. We do not worship the Prophet Joseph. However, he left behind a legacy that enables some 12 million followers today on every continent to proclaim him as a prophet of God. May we, each of us, strive to continue the Prophet Joseph's vision for this work and to magnify his legacy through our works and testimonies to others that they may know him as we do and that they may experience the peace and joy out of the gospel he restored. When the Savior returns to the earth in glory, the Prophet Joseph will come forth with the righteous as a resurrected being and will continue to minister under the Savior's direction. As our beloved hymn affirms, millions shall know Brother Joseph again. Of this truth I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Amen.

[MUSIC - "ODE FOR JOSEPH"] [SINGING] Joseph.

Joseph.

Of his name has been spoken, good and evil among all people.

Yet unto us. Yet unto us. Yet unto us. He restored the gospel of Christ our Savior.

Brother Joseph. Brother Joseph.

With our hearts we praise ye.

[MUSIC - "PRAISE TO THE MAN WHO COMMUNED WITH JEHOVAH"]

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah. Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation. Kings shall extol him and nations revere.

Praise to his memory. He died as a martyr. Honored and blest be his ever great name. Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, plead unto heaven while the Earth lauds his fame. Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven. Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren. Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold. Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven. Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren. Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Earth must atone for the blood of that man. Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven. Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren. Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Earth must atone for the blood of that man. Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah. Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.

It will now be my privilege to address you. When I have concluded, the choir in Salt Lake City will sing a medley of beloved hymns: "High on the Mountaintop," "The Morning Breaks," and "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning." The closing prayer will then be offered by Uriah A. Kennedy, who is the fourth great-grandson of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We will then be adjourned for another 100 years. My beloved associates, only once before has a President of the Church stood where I stand today to memorialize a centennial of the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. That President was Joseph F. Smith, who came here December 23, 1905. A comparable event cannot happen for another full century. A sense of history overwhelms me. I feel as if I am straddling the centuries. 200 years ago on this very day, in this very place, there was born a child who was prophetically named Joseph after the name of his father. He became the prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He gave his life in testimony of the truth of all that he'd said concerning the work of the Lord restored through him in this dispensation. President Joseph F. Smith 100 years ago bore witness and testimony with great fervency of the divinity of the work of the Prophet Joseph. I likewise now give my testimony to you that he was the living Prophet of the living God, that God the Father and His resurrected Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, visited him in the grove at Palmyra. They spoke to him, the Father introducing His Son. Joseph heard Them. He saw Them. They were beings in form like men, but indescribably more glorious. Nothing comparable had ever happened before. It marked the opening of this, the last and final dispensation of the gospel. The visitation of angels and resurrected beings followed that great vision. The Book of Mormon was brought forth as a witness to all the world that Jesus is the Christ, the eternal God, manifesting Himself unto all nations. The priesthood was restored, both the Aaronic and the Melchizedek, with all the keys, power, and authority appertaining thereto. The Church was organized under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ with its name being the very name of the Savior of the world. This is a glorious and wonderful day. It is a day of remembrance, a day of great rejoicing, a day for gratitude and thanksgiving, a day in which we acknowledge the moving hand of God in bringing to pass His eternal purposes in behalf of His sons and daughters of all generations. A century ago, President Smith dedicated a monument which marks the Prophet's birthplace. Earlier while the sun was shining, we walked about this magnificent polished granite shaft, thinking not only of the man it memorializes but also of the providence of the Lord in bringing it into place. I wish now to take a few minutes to tell you about it. It is a miraculous story all by itself. Junius F. Wells is responsible for its presence. He was the son of Daniel H. Wells, who was associated with the Prophet in Nauvoo and who served for 20 years as a counselor to President Brigham Young. In 1905, Junius suggested to the First Presidency that the Church acquire the old Solomon Mack farm, which straddled the line that separates South Royalton and Sharon, Vermont. He further suggested that a fitting monument be erected here. The Presidency accepted his suggestion and authorized him to proceed. He came here and was able to check the titles to the old Mack holdings and was able to acquire the property. This spot where we stand was known as Dairy Hill. Brother Wells then set out to find a suitable piece of granite. Where could there be a large enough piece from which could be shaped a dressed pillar 38 and 1/2 feet tall, one foot for each year of the Prophet's life? He searched through the quarries of Vermont and finally found a suitable piece in the quarry in Barre. The rough stone was laboriously taken from the quarry to the mill, where it was shaped and polished. More stone was required to provide a suitable base. Eventually the granite was ready, but there remained the almost insurmountable task of moving it, first by rail, and then by wagon to the place where it was to be erected. A bridge over the White River had to be greatly strengthened. A special wagon was found with steel tires 20 inches wide and axles eight inches thick. 22 horses were required to haul this load of some 40 tons from the railroad terminal up the hill. Slowly, day after day, the great ponderous load was moved. It was now the middle of December, and the monument was to be in place and ready for dedication on December 23. It was necessary to cross through a meadow, and there a swamp lay directly where the wagon had to go. Rocks were dumped into the swamp. They sank out of sight. Hardwood planking was tried, but that did not help. The onlookers asked Brother Wells what he was going to do. He said, "I'm going to pray." The weather was relatively warm for December. Before retiring for the night, he opened his heart, pleading with the Lord to help him find a way to get the monument in place. That night when he was in such desperate need and offered such a moving prayer, the temperature miraculously dropped 30 degrees in a very short time. In the morning, when Junius examined the swamp, it was frozen solid. The horse-drawn wagon was able to pass over without difficulty. A proper foundation base was prepared to the side of the erection. And by means of a gray block and tackle, the polished granite shaft was raised without injuring it in any way. It was a miracle. At that time it was probably the largest single polished shaft anywhere in America, if not in the entire world. It may still be so. Its creation and erection were almost like Joseph's description of his own life when he said, "I am like a huge, rough stone, rolling down a high mountain, and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by striking with accelerated force against mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women, all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty." A small cottage was also built here. It was to this cottage that President Joseph F. Smith and his associates came 100 years ago. It is now gone, but it is to this same location that we come 100 years later. On the basis of all available evidence, our historical experts have arrived at a pretty good knowledge of the house in which Joseph was born. It was a simple clapboard cottage, 22 by 24 feet in dimensions. There was an 8 by 10-foot cellar under part of it and a loft overhead reached by a steep stairway. The main floor consisted of an entrance foyer, a kitchen, a parlor, and a small bedroom. The birth likely occurred in this bedroom. The house was heated by wood-burning fireplaces. The hearthstone of the kitchen fireplace is still intact. An orchard surrounded the house. These old photographs taken about 1895 show portions of the Mack farm.

Now let us speak of the boy who was born here. His family had very little in the way of earthly goods. The father lost his fortune to a dishonest associate. The family moved from Sharon to Tunbridge to South Royalton and then across the state line to West Lebanon, New Hampshire. It was here that Joseph as a seven-year-old boy developed a serious abscess in his leg following typhoid fever. Again it was a miracle that the doctors, without anesthesia and with only crude instruments, were able to operate and save the leg, although it was a terribly painful experience. Joseph walked as a cripple for a very long time after that. The family moved again, this time to the village of Norwich, Vermont. Here they experienced crop failures for three successive years. Greatly discouraged, the father traveled to western New York, looking for better opportunities. The family followed to the vicinity of Palmyra in the Finger Lakes area. It appears that it was all a part of the plan of the Lord to get them where they needed to be. Here they built a modest home, and it was while here that they experienced the gospel revival meetings which were held in the area. Various ministers spoke and called out for all to converge to their cause. It was at this time that the boy Joseph read in the Bible in the book of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." There followed the training events which I have previously mentioned. Viewed from our day, the events that have followed have been remarkable, even miraculous. That first 5,000-copy edition of the Book of Mormon printed at the Grandin Press in Palmyra has increased to nearly 130 million copies. Each year more than 4 million are printed. The book has been translated into 77 languages. It has inspired millions across the world as it stands as another witness of the reality and the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those of you who have read it this year can testify to this. The priesthood restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John is now held by over 5 million men and boys. The Church which began with six members in the small home of Peter Whitmer in Fayette, New York, has blossomed into a vast family of believers in more than 160 nations with some 12 million members. The Women's Relief Society which Joseph Smith organized in 1842 has become the largest women's organization in the world. And so it goes. Whoever could have dreamed that the infant who was born in these extremely humble circumstances on a rented farm would ever be associated with such a miraculous thing? Miraculous also was the statement of Moroni, the angel, when he first appeared to the boy Joseph in the bedroom of the family home. Joseph was a simple farm boy. His family had nothing really. Palmyra was a largely unknown rural village. But Moroni said to him on that occasion that his name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues. How could Joseph in his circumstances have believed that such a thing should come to pass? And yet that has happened. Thousands all across the earth sing his praise and tribute. They read the Book of Mormon. They exercise the priesthood. They go on missions. They pay their tithes and offerings, all under a system of religion founded on divine revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet. John Taylor, who was with him in Carthage at the time he was murdered, boldly declared, Joseph Smith the Prophet and seer of the Lord has done more save Jesus only for the salvation of men in this world than any other man that ever lived in it. At this season when the Christian world celebrates the birth of Christ, it can be said that no man has borne a stronger witness of the living reality of the Lord Jesus Christ than did Joseph Smith. His written testimony is repeated. It is echoed and re-echoed in scores of languages throughout the world. In an age of skepticism and doubt, his witness is unequivocal and certain. Tonight as we are here on this significant anniversary in the very place of his birth, we pay tribute and honor. We give praise and reverence. We give thanks to the God of heaven for His appointed Prophet in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. We give voice to the great hymns that have come out of his work and mission. We sing, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" to guide us in these latter days. We sing, "High on the mountaintop a banner is unfurled. Ye nations now look up. It waves to all the world." We sing, "The morning breaks. The shadows flee. Lo Zion's standard is unfurled. The dawning of a brighter day majestic rises on the world." We sing, "The spirit of God like a fire is burning." We speak our personal testimony that he who was born here on December 23, 1805, was the instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to Earth the ancient gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We speak our witness. We give voice to our testimony of the great Prophet of these latter days and do it all in the sacred name of our Redeemer, our Lord, and our Savior, even Jesus Christ amen.

[MUSIC - "HIGH ON THE MOUNTAINTOP"]

[SINGING] High on the mountaintop, a banner is unfurled. Ye nations now look up. It waves to all the world. In Deseret's sweet, peaceful land, on Zion's mount, behold it stand.

For there we shall be taught the law that will go forth, with truth and wisdom fraught to govern all the earth. Forever there his ways we'll tread and save ourselves with all our dead.

High on a mountaintop, a banner is unfurled. Amen.

Amen.

[MUSIC - "THE MORNING BREAKS"] [SINGING] The morning breaks. The shadows flee. Lo, Zion's standard is unfurled. The dawning of a brighter day. The dawning of a brighter day. Majestic rises on the world.

Angels from heav'n and truth from Earth have met and both have record borne. Thus Zion's light is bursting forth. Thus Zion's light is bursting forth to bring her ransomed children home.

To bring her ransomed children home.

Amen.

[MUSIC - "THE SPIRIT OF GOD"] [SINGING] The Lord is extending the Saints' understanding, restoring their judges and all as at first. The knowledge and power of God are expanding.

The veil o'er the Earth is beginning to burst. We'll sing, and we'll shout with the armies of heaven. Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb. Let glory to them in the highest be given, henceforth and forever, amen and amen.

How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any ire. And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion as Jesus descends with his chariot of fire. We'll sing, and we'll shout with the armies of heaven. Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb. Let glory to them in the highest be given, henceforth and forever, amen and amen.

Henceforth and forever, amen and amen.

Amen.

Our Father in heaven, we are grateful for having had this great opportunity to come and celebrate the birth of the great Prophet Joseph Smith. We are grateful for Thy Son and for the great love and mercy He has shown towards us that we might repent and return to Thee. We are grateful for the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the gospel which he restored that has taught us of these great truths.

Father, we pray that we might learn and grow from these teachings and learn from the Prophet's example and make our lives better accordingly.

At the death of the Prophet, he had claimed only one of his sons, and even now his descendants struggle. We pray that Thou would give a special blessing to his descendants, that the Prophet might have claim to his children once more. We are grateful for our current and living prophets and apostles and their counsels and teachings. We pray that we might learn and adhere to them with an exactness and honor, that we might go forth and teach those that are around us and help our families grow strong. We pray for these things humbly, Father, in the name of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, amen. Amen. [MUSIC PLAYING]