Fallon Stake Conference — 1964
I have a very vivid memory of an early experience with two of our wonderful apostles. Although Reno had a much larger population than its surrounding towns, our stake center was in a small town named Fallon, about an hour’s drive from Reno. Fallon had originally been settled by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and there were still many members of the church living in that area. I remember very well one particular stake conference where we had two apostles come to our conference, Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Thomas S. Monson. Elder Monson was ordained an apostle in 1963, so this conference would have been late in 1963 or early in 1964. Our family arrived early and we sat on the very front row, just to the left of the podium. I can still see in my mind’s eye both of these great leaders speaking and exhorting the saints. I can’t remember exactly what they said, but I definitely remember the feelings of awe, respect, admiration, and faith that I felt during the meeting. Even at that young age, I knew I was hearing the truth and I loved the feeling that I had when I heard the truths of the gospel presented. After the meeting, I went right up to the podium and was successful in getting the signatures of both Elder Kimball and Elder Monson. I have both of those signatures in my Church President’s signature book. The fact that both of them went on to preside over the church makes the experience all the more wonderful. After the stake conference, a huge luncheon was held outdoors near the stake center. It was a time of happiness and excitement for me, being with my family and with the saints. Enos, in the Book of Mormon, spoke of the “joy of the saints” which sunk deep into his heart. I had the same experience in Fallon as a young boy.
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