News for Mormons

From The Deseret Morning News:

With a mix of song, prayer and speech, Utah’s Capitol was rededicated Friday during an hour-long ceremony attended by invited dignitaries, residents and politicians.

The 91-year-old building has been closed the past three years for extensive renovations. It is now cleaner and brighter, with a new foundation and historically accurate furnishings.

During the dedication event, politicians and religious leaders gave remarks that focused on retrofitting, and called on residents to renew their efforts to support the state and democracy.

Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asked during the dedicatory prayer that the Capitol be protected and be a place where residents can gather.

“This is the official house of the people of the state of Utah,” President Hinckley said. “May it be preserved from the elements of nature. May wisdom dictate all that is said and done here. May the people whose building it is feel free to wander its halls and marble staircases, admiring its resplendent beauty.”

President Hinckley was asked to dedicate the building in a nod to its first dedication in 1916, where LDS President Joseph F. Smith gave the dedicatory prayer. Other speakers also mirrored that first ceremony, with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. speaking, and opening and closing prayers given by religious leaders from northern and central Utah.

Entire article can be found here