The validity of the Church rests upon the appearance of God the Father and his son Jesus Christ to the boy Joseph Smith, President Gordon B. Hinckley said in his Sunday morning address.

"Think of it my brother and sisters. Think of the wonder of it. This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. We as a people are Latter-day Saints," President Hinckley said. "We testify that the heavens have been opened."

President Hinckley spoke of a recent journey he made to dedicate temples in Freiberg, Germany and The Hague, Netherlands. During his journey, he also made stops in France, Ukraine, Russia, and Iceland.

"What a priceless and precious privilege to meet with these wonderful saints," he said. "Life is not easy for them. Their burdens are heavy but their faith is secure and their testimonies are vibrant."

President Hinckley said as he met with the saints in that part of the world the words from the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation," often came to his mind.

The beginning of this work was the First Vision of Joseph Smith, President Hinckley said.

He spoke of an intellectual he knew who believed the Church is trapped by its history.

"Without that history we have nothing," President Hinckley said in response. "The truth of that remarkable event in is the pivotal substance of our faith."

In addition to the First Vision, President Hinckley also spoke of the Book of Mormon as another witness of Jesus Christ.

"I cannot understand why the Christian world does not accept this book," he said.

He spoke of the Church as an educational institution, a social institution and a mutual aid society.

"But beyond these, it is the church and kingdom of God established and directed by our Eternal Father and his beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ," President Hinckley declared.

In conclusion, President Hinckley extended an invitation to all men and women to learn of the Church. He invited them to bring with them all the good they have acquired "and let us see if we may add to it."

Throughout the morning session, which he conducted, President Hinckley wore a white lei around his neck. As he began his talk he removed the lei.

"I think I'll take this off and go to work," President Hinckley said.