In his concluding remarks, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke on the value of general conference and urged members to attend the temple more often.

“We gather together [at conference] in a spirit of worship and with a desire to learn. We renew our relationships as members of this large family of Latter-day Saints,” President Hinckley said. “We shall return to our homes greatly enriched, I hope.”

President Hinckley requested that church members discuss topics raised in conference during this week’s family home evening.

“They might even write down some of these things, reflect on them and remember them,” he added.

Regarding temple work he said, “I encourage you to take greater advantage of this blessed privilege.”

“Most of our temples could be much busier than they are,” President Hinckley said. “In this noisy, bustling, competitive world, what a privi-lege it is to have a sacred house where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord.”

As is his custom, President Hinckley concluded with his testimony and an expression of his love for the members of the church.

He said, “I leave you my witness, my love, my blessing. As we separate to go to our homes, may God be with you ‘til we meet again.”

The choir then sang “God be with you ‘til we Meet Again.”

President Hinckley, 94, personally dedicated 79 of 118 temples in operation today.

Temple construction and temple work have been major themes during his time as president of the church.

Speaking of temple work, President Hinckley said, “It will refine your natures. It will peel off the selfish shell in which most of us live. It will literally bring a sanctifying element into our lives and make us better men and better women.”

The talk contained several references to the world-wide span of the church.

President Hinckley was optimistic about the results of conference in these members’ lives.

“[As a result of General Conference] our faith will have been strengthened, our resolve fortified,” he said.

“Where we have felt defeated and beaten I hope that a new courage has come into our lives.”

“Where we have been wayward and indifferent, I hope that a spirit of repentance has taken hold of us.”

“Where we have been unkind or selfish, I hope we have determined that we will change.”

“All who walk in faith will have had that faith strengthened,” President Hinckley said.

Following a closing prayer the 174th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was adjourned.
Copyright Brigham Young University 4 Oct 2004