Community Corner
Mormon President Monson Makes Rare Appearance at Local Temple Groundbreaking
The 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a surprise visit at the groundbreaking service for the new Mormon Temple in Farmington
By Jessie Sawyer
The 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a surprise visit at the groundbreaking service for the new Mormon Temple in Farmington on Saturday, Aug. 17.
President Thomas S. Monson does not dedicate every new temple, but he gave the dedication speech at temple soon to be built at the corner of Melrose Drive and Farmington Avenue.
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For many locals, it comes as no shock he came to Farmington.
Monson said that Connecticut holds a special place in his heart because of his family. His granddaughter, Sarah Steele and her husband, Jim live on Simsbury.
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Monson will celebrate his 86th birthday on Aug. 21 and the 700 or so attendants as the ceremony sang happy birthday to him.
He was the first to turn the soil, first with Elder William Walker and then with his family, church officials, a little boy in the audience and Town Council Chairman Jeffrey Hogan and Planning and Zoning Chairman Phil Dunn.
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