I don’t know if the last decade has gone as quickly for you as it has for me, but can you believe that the Conference Center is ten years old this year? Ten years ago this month, the first General Conference was held in this historic building, giving a break to the much smaller (but still impressive) Tabernacle.
The Conference Center has become part of Salt Lake City and definitely part of Temple Square. After a decade of use, it’s still as beautiful, inspiring, and useful as the day it was completed. One of my favorite features of the Conference Center include the bronze busts of the prophets. It’s amazing to look at these busts and see the kindness and love they had for the people and the church captured forever in art. And the other pictures, statues, and galleries in the center are equally inspiring.
I remember my first glimpses of the majestic building, both inside and out. I came to Salt Lake City with my roommates shortly after the building was finished (but the garden wasn’t complete yet), and we went to see the newly completed center. With its 21,000 seats, the empty auditorium was quite the sight to see. It holds three times the amount of people as the Tabernacle, allowing more members and investigators to attend conferences, concerts, and performing arts events. No matter what event is going on in the Conference Center, the view is always good, the sound is always clear, and the seating comfortable. It was definitely and eye-opening experience.
Over the years, I’ve had other chances to go to the Conference Center. I’ve gone to several of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concerts (the one with Sissel was my absolute favorite); I’ve listened to a prophet’s voice there. I’ve brought non-LDS friends to take the tour and learn more about our religion; I’ve been there late at night cleaning the chairs and floors to keep the building in good condition. I’ve spent time on the roof garden contemplating my life and the choices I needed to make.
I’m sure I’ll have plenty more opportunities to attend events, serve, and learn in this marvelous building as it continues to serve as a cultural center and spiritual edifice, and I hope you do too.