- Even before the first messages of the 159th Annual General Conference were delivered Saturday morning, President Ezra Taft Benson performed two tender acts that were in themselves sermons of love and kindness. Before stepping onto the podium area, he leaned over and kissed his wife, Sister Flora Amussen Benson, who, recovering from a fractured hip, was in a wheelchair near the door through which he entered. Proceeding to his chair on the stand, he shook hands and spoke with members of the Council of the Twelve, pausing longer to greet President Howard W. Hunter.
President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session. Music was by the Mormon Youth Chorus, with Robert C. Bowden conducting and Clay Christiansen accompanying.The invocation was by Elder Carlos E. Asay of the First Quorum of the Seventy and president of the Europe Area. The benediction was by Elder Alexander Morrison of the First Quorum of the Seventy and a counselor in the United Kingdom/Ireland/Africa Area.
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Saturday morning speakers
President Ezra Taft Benson
President Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve
Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy