Three general authorities visited the Calgary area on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided. Also attending were Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy, Presiding Bishop Gary E. Stevenson and Elder G. Lawrence Spackman, North American Central Area Seventy.
On Saturday morning, the Church leaders met with all missionaries in the Canada Calgary Mission. The meeting was held in the Calgary Stake Centre and broadcast to two other locations. On Saturday afternoon, the brethren instructed men in a Priesthood Leadership Conference. Also, three stake presidents were called on to share personal missionary experiences: President Stephen Miller, President Wallace Dudley and President Craig Prince.
The leaders conducted three stake meetings on Sunday for Church members and their friends. The Calgary North Stake was presided over by Elder Nelson; Elder Spackman also spoke. Elder Nelson encouraged parents to teach the gospel in their homes. He also encouraged members to become missionaries, while also reaching out in love to (less active) members who need to be rescued.”
Similar meeting were conduction in the Calgary Alberta Foothills Stake, where Elder Maynes presided and the mission president, Howard Nicholas, also participated. The Calgary Alberta East Stake meeting was presided over by Bishop Stevenson with President Ellis Stonehocker of the Calgary Temple Presidency.
Stake President R. Kipp Craig, of the Calgary Alberta South Stake, with other local leaders enjoyed the privilege of receiving training as well as from Elder Nelson and Elder Maynes. “The leadership training was a marvelous meeting. There was great instruction offered. Stake presidents, bishops, high priest group leaders, elders' quorum presidents, and ward mission leaders were instructed with us.”
“One of the most enjoyable parts of the training”, recalls President Kipp, “was when Elder Maynes stood to tell us that he enjoys traveling with Elder Nelson because he is such a marvelous scriptorian. He was right! Elder Nelson taught us from the scriptures. It was great to watch someone so effectively use the scriptures.”
During the last portion of the training meeting, the local leaders were invited to ask questions about any concerns or problems. “One person asked if there was a reason why Canada is receiving so many general authority visits. Elder Nelson told us that they are here to express their love for the Canadian Saints. He told us that they have been a seedbed of faith for years and that they have provided many mission presidents, temple presidents and other leaders.”
Following the meetings, President Craig concluded: 'We're spoiled, well treated and I love them for the attention they're giving us.'