Officials from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented Neighborhood House Senior Day Center and Day Care with the deed to some land Wednesday to expand the facility.

President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS Church, and Bishop Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, formally presented the deed to 1.8 acres adjacent to the center during a program that included officials, senior citizens and preschool-age children."We asked, we held our breaths and hoped with all our might," said Rosanne Gordon, a trustee for the senior citizen and child day care facilities, which are operated separately by Neighborhood House, 423 S. 11th West.

President Monson said that visiting the center to make such a presentation was a little like "coming home for Christmas," adding that he "grew to maturity on the west side of Salt Lake. Many times I came over the (Fourth South) viaduct to play basketball . . . I know this area well."

"This is a unique place . . . in the way it serves the very old and the very young," Eyring said. Visiting the center "I got a new feeling for what it means to have a feeling of charity - and commitment. I believe we share the same dedication to long-term service."

Gordon said no specific plans have been made for the land but promised, "We'll use it well."

"The words of Tiny Tim from the pen of Charles Dickens expressed my feelings when he said, `God bless us every one,' " Monson said.

Dozens of children from the preschool entertained guests with a short medley of Christmas carols.

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