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CONFERENCE

A PLACE TO GATHER The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fall 2026 General Conference

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Meetinghouses around the world Church members celebrate having places to gather.............................................6 More than a meetinghouse Members find opportunities for spiritual moments and service at church meetinghouses.....................................................................14 Taking care of each other Facilities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also provide for physical needs................................................18 COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

COVER PHOTO: This chapel in Farmington, Utah, was constructed in 2010.

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

MEETINGHOUSES AROUND THE WORLD Church members celebrate having places to gather

A meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rededicated on April 12 following the Palisades Fire in Southern California in January 2025. The building sustained significant smoke and ash damage. COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

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A meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is rededicated on April 12 following the Palisades Fire in Southern California in January 2025. The building sustained significant smoke and ash damage. COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

ere are the stories shared by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about some of the meetinghouses throughout the world:

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MEETINGHOUSE REDEDICATED FOLLOWING WILDFIRE In a symbol of hope and renewal, a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reopened following last year’s wildfire that swept through the surrounding hillsides of Pacific Palisades, California. “Returning to our chapel after a year of work is a joyful milestone that fills us with renewed hope for the future,” said Brian Ames, who serves as a stake president of the congregation.

The brick building at 575 Los Liones Drive was left standing but heavily damaged by smoke and ash. Following extensive renovation, Latter-day Saints gathered for the building’s rededication on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Los Angeles media also toured the building, built over half a century ago, before the worship service. Nearly everything around the meetinghouse was destroyed in January 2025, including shrubs, trees, and the once lush hillside and trailheads behind the church. The church was left standing in what many called a miracle. Shortly after the fires swept through Los Angeles County, Church members and their friends from Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, and Altadena, California, who were impacted by the recent wildfires, gathered in a chapel on Saturday, February 22, 2025, to hear from President Jef-

frey R. Holland, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “We cry with you. We pray with you. You’re not isolated. You’re not forgotten,” President Holland told the gathering.

REBUILDING PACIFIC PALISADES The interior of the building in Pacific Palisades was gutted for a full-scale renovation, and the vegetation is now showing signs of regrowth. “The feeling of loss was overwhelming,” explained Kayce Mammen, a Pacific Palisades resident. “Now there is hope that we can reclaim the lost pieces of our lives, working together in a single place, continuing to recover as a community.” While the building has been reopened as a place of gathering and worship, many members of the congregation who lost

their homes in the fire remain displaced. “Even in our excitement, we carry a deep awareness of the collective grief that remains for those still navigating the difficult path of rebuilding their own lives,” Ames said. “Many of our members still do not have a home, but now at least they have a gathering place to continue the process of rebuilding,” Mammen said. “We believe as we come together, every step forward — no matter how small — invites more light and healing into the hearts of the entire Palisades community,” Ames said.

NEW DAVAO DEL NORTE MEETINGHOUSE HIGHLIGHTS CHURCH GROWTH IN MINDANAO The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

day Saints in Mindanao marked another milestone with the dedication of a new meetinghouse in the municipality of New Corella in Davao del Norte province, on August 23, 2026. Elder D. Dan Nuñez, an Area Seventy of the Church, presided over the combined dedication program and branch conference of the New Corella Branch under the Tagum Philippines Stake which drew almost 150 people, including members and leaders from across the stake. During the dedicatory prayer, Elder Nuñez expressed the hope that the new meetinghouse “may be used for the strengthening of the faith of the Saints in New Corella” and “that this structure will help the Saints expand and build more structures in the years to come.” President Edwin A. Espiritu of the Tagum Philippines Stake described the new meetinghouse as a “sanctuary of faith and testimony.” Drawing from scriptural accounts of Peter and the other apostles as well as COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his family, President Gemir Villar of New The New Corella Branch meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Corella Branch invited members to “cast was dedicated on August 23. your nets and build your tents” by continuing to share the gospel to the community. The dedication was preceded by a public open house held on August 22, where members welcomed community leaders and other guests to the new meetinghouse. Guests included former New Corella Mayor Rhodora S. Alcoran, Councilor Jeffrey Calamunggay, Councilor Consaro Sayon, and Mr. Jeanry Pates, representing Rev. Fr. Warren Parameo of San Isidro Labrador Catholic Parish. The Church’s emphasis on family history during the tour stood out to Mrs. Alcoran. “Of all the chapel tours I have attended, this was the first time I heard such a detailed explanation of family history, tracing our family lines, learning about our ancestors and preserving their names and stories,” she said. “It made me want to explore and understand family history more.” She also added that “I came away with a deeper understanding of who Latterday Saints are and what they believe.” Mr. Pates spoke of what the two faiths share. “One thing that we have in common is our belief in Jesus Christ and our desire to do good to others,” he said.

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The New Corella Branch was organized on December 10, 2023, with about 50 in attendance. Members initially worshipped in a rented meetinghouse closer to their community. By 2026, branch membership had grown to more than 100, with Sunday attendance reaching as high as 70. “When the New Corella Branch was organized, I was already so happy because I could see the growth of the Church here in our own community,” shared Brother Carlos Llavore, an early branch member. “Now, seeing how the branch has grown and seeing this new meetinghouse, I am immensely happy and proud of how far New Corella has come.”

FIRST MEETINGHOUSE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS DEDICATED IN AZERBAIJAN The first meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Azerbaijan was inaugurated by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the city of Baku, on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Elder Bednar was accompanied by Elder Jack N. Gerard, First Counselor in the Europe Central Area Presidency. Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Claudette Gerard were also in attendance, as well as other Church leaders. The historic event marked a significant milestone for the Church in the Caucasus region. More than forty invited guests, including government officials, religious and business leaders, and other distinguished dignitaries, attended the inauguration ceremony. The guests had the chance to tour the building and receive a brief explanation about how worship services of the Church are organized. “This is an historic day, in Azerbaijan, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints,” Elder Bednar said. “We are honored and delighted to be here and formally recognized, and to be able to dedicate this facility where we will meet and worship. We are grateful and excited to be here in Azerbaijan.” Chairman Ramin Mammadov, who heads the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of Azerbaijan added, “The opening of this building is a witness to everyone that the Azerbaijani society is further expanding its cultural

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richness and openness to different religions. I would like to thank Elder Bednar for being present in this inauguration and participate in this significant and happy event for the Church and for the country of Azerbaijan,” he concluded.

A MOMENT OF FRIENDSHIP AND FAITH The inauguration included a ribboncutting ceremony performed jointly by Elder Bednar, Elder Gerard, Ramin Mammadov and His Virtue Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh. Other religious leaders were present. This symbolic moment highlighted the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that has characterized the relationship between the Church and the Azerbaijani people. Following the ceremony, guests attended a sit-down luncheon, where Elder Bednar and Elder Gerard expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the Church in Azerbaijan. They also spoke about the shared values of faith, family and service that unite believers of all backgrounds. In addition to the on COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS going humanitarian efforts, one of the The New Corella Branch meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated on August 23. ILY HERALD DA

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The first meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Azerbaijan was inaugurated by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the city of Baku, on November 13, 2025. Government officials, religious leaders, the media, friends and members of the Church participated in the historic event. COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

programs of the Church that is already being offered for free in the Baku meetinghouse is English Connect. The program is designed to help individuals learn and improve English language skills.

A GROWING PRESENCE IN AZERBAIJAN The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially registered in Azerbaijan in July 2024, a development that opened the way for the local congregation to meet and secure a permanent meetinghouse. The new facility will serve as a spiritual home for Church members and a center for humanitarian and interfaith activities. The inauguration of the new meetinghouse aligns closely with Azerbaijan’s vision of promoting freedom of religion or belief and fostering multicultural har-

mony. The country’s long-standing commitment to mutual respect among diverse faiths provides a welcoming environment for people of all beliefs to worship and contribute to society. Elder Gerard expressed appreciation for the nation’s openness to dialogue and cooperation, a trend he has seen and experienced for many years in the Caucasus and Central Asia region. “This is a significant milestone as we are building a foundation of faith for many years to come. We love our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters and look forward to continued growth across this region of the world,” he said. Another significant example of the developing relationship between the Church and Azerbaijan is the teaching of a class of Azerbaijani language at the Brigham Young University, a Church-sponsored higher

education institution in Provo, Utah. This we feel great peace.” is unique in all North America. The dedication of the Baku meetinghouse marks an important step in the A NEW CHAPTER IN THE Church’s growth across Eastern Europe, REGION the Caucasus and in Central Asia, where In the evening, a special devotional members are increasingly active in commeeting was held for members and friends munity service and humanitarian efforts. of the Church, with almost 200 people in The Church continues to collaborate with attendance. Elder Bednar offered a dedi- local partners to promote education, selfcatory prayer, formally consecrating the reliance and religious harmony. The new meetinghouse will host Sunbuilding as a place of worship and community gathering. day worship services, youth programs, “Our greatest desire is that this will family history activities and community be a holy place,” Elder Bednar prayed. He events open to people of all backgrounds. also stated in the prayer that “we live in During the week, it will also be opened for a remarkable season in the history of the other social and community activities and earth. We can see much in the world that other programs offered by the Church. is troublesome, and surely there is great At the end of the day, His Virtue Sheikhcommotion in the world. But in spite of all ul-Islam, who leads the Caucasus Musthat turmoil, in this moment, in this place, lim Board and is the most senior Muslim

General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

leader in the region, hosted Elder Bednar and other Church leaders in Baku. A strong relationship between Sheikh ul-Islam and senior leaders of the Church has been developed over the years, and this gathering was one more step in strengthening those ties and expressing appreciation for his help in getting the Church recognized in Azerbaijan. Sheikh-ul Islam has visited the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he met with the former President Russell M. Nelson, and more recently with President Dallin H. Oaks. Those meetings deepened ties of understanding and respect between the two faith communities. For many years the Church’s humanitarian effort has been in Azerbaijan and has run several projects and initiatives with the Azerbaijani authorities and with other international and local entities.

SAINTS IN LUXEMBOURG CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST MEETINGHOUSE

information about them and their story. Displays with details about the use of the various rooms, but also about the faith and practice of the Church of Jesus Christ were seen throughout the meetinghouse. Among those touring the building were Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, and Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache. Representatives of the Muslim, Hindu and Bahá’í communities were also present. Invited guests from other faiths expressed their gratitude and remarked that they intend to return. I was impressed by the miracles I saw during this open house weekend,” President Ulrich concluded. “Friends got to know us and our Church. Representatives of other faiths and of the society became our friends and expressed willingness to work with us on projects based on common values. Members came together to serve and share in the spirit of unity that characterizes Zion. I am thankful to have been a witness of these miracles!” The first branch in Luxembourg was organized in the mid-1960s, and the first ward was formed in January 2007. Prior to this new meetinghouse, Saints in Luxembourg met for their Sunday meetings in hotels and other rented spaces. Since its repurposing, two congregations of the Church have shared the property to fellowship and serve the community. One congregation offers Sunday services in French and English, the other in Portuguese and Spanish. Elder James W. McConkie III of the Europe Central Area Presidency attended meetings of both and acknowledged the cultural diversity of visitors and volunteers: “God loves all his children and he feels joy when they come together as one.” Quoting from the Book of Mormon, he said that God invites “all to come unto him and partake of his goodness.” “I stand as a witness of Jesus Christ,” he added. “My personal relationship with Him blesses my life every day and gives me direction.” During this weekend of celebration, Elder McConkie was joined by other leaders of the Church’s Europe Central Area, including Area Organization Advisers Sister Cybèle Liebard and Sister Jayne Bingham as well as Area Seventy Elder Matthias A. Frost.

Some 60 years after the first branch in Luxembourg was formed, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this small European country celebrated their first meetinghouse during an open house on June 14-15, 2025. Although the building — formerly a bank — was acquired by the Church in 2018, no celebration or community outreach took place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Ornella Ulrich Bicchierri, the Church’s communications director for Luxembourg and northeast France. “This building does not just belong to the Church, it belongs to all of you. It belongs to the community,” said Michaël Ulrich, president of the Nancy France Stake, before cutting the ribbon on Friday afternoon. The stake covers a large area, including the entire country of Luxembourg. Nico Pundel, mayor of the municipality of Strassen, Elodie Besson of the Jesuit Refugee Service Luxembourg, and Elder McConkie also participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. During the long-awaited open house, neighbors, friends and invited guests from government, academia, nonprofits and various faiths took the opportunity to explore this space of community and worship. Rooms on all four levels of the refurbished premises invite dialogue and engagement. A FamilySearch Center offers free asAll stories were shared by the Church of Jesistance and resources to those seeking to sus Christ of Latter-day Saints at newsroom. discover their family members and gather churchofjesuschrist.org.

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

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MORE THAN A MEETINGHOUSE

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has meetinghouses throughout the world, like this one in North Salt Lake. COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Members find opportunities for spiritual moments and service at church meetinghouses

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Members gather in meetinghouses for worship services and to participate in ordinances.

eaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have frequently emphasized the importance of the home and temple attendance as locations for individual and family spiritual growth. But while not as discussed as the other venues, church meetinghouses provide a third valuable locale for members to learn as well as to help others. Although local chapels can be seen on almost every corner in Utah, the General Handbook of the Church of Jesus Christ describes how these gathering places can be very diverse to meet the needs of members. “Meetinghouses vary in size and type based on local needs and conditions,” the handbook says. “A meetinghouse may be a Church-constructed or purchased space, a member’s home, a local school or community center, a leased space, or another approved option. “Area and local leaders strive to fully use existing meetinghouses and be wise in recommending additional space.” It also emphasized that members should focus on using the specially

designated spaces for church-related activities while taking responsibility for their care and upkeep. “Local leaders and members, including youth, have a responsibility to help keep each building clean and in good condition,” the handbook said. “The cleaning schedule should not be a burden on the members. For example, if travel to the building is challenging, members might clean as part of weekly events when they are already at the building. “All uses of Church meetinghouses must meet the following basic requirements:  Be consistent with the doctrine, policies, and practices of the Church, including the sacred nature and purposes of Church meetinghouses.  Be within the bounds of the law.  Be consistent with the Church’s tax-exempt status where applicable.  Take appropriate steps to avoid, mitigate, and manage safety risks, including Church guidelines and policies safeguarding children and youth (see 12.5.1 and 20.7.1)

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Primary children sing during a meeting.  Comply with other conditions and limitations provided by the stake president or bishop.” Church leaders have discussed the value of properly utilizing local meetinghouses during the faith’s semiannual General Conference. Bishop Dean M. Davies, then First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, focused on the topic during a talk he game in October

of 2020. Davies started by sharing stories of experiences of members in their local meetinghouses, saying: “A devoted colleague once shared with me an experience he had when fulfilling an assignment to put away chairs and straighten up the stake center following a stake conference. After 30 minutes of carrying out these duties,

he realized that he was the last person remaining in the building. Rather than feeling alone with a rush to leave, however, he noticed that the same sweet sense of peace he had felt during the conference remained with him and was even increasing. “As he finished the assignment and exited the meetinghouse, he encountered another member who seemed

to be watching him intently. Realizing what my friend had been doing, this member took him by the hand and said, ‘Brother, the Lord sees these small things that you do for Him, and He looks down and smiles upon them.’ “Years later while serving as a bishop, this same friend found himself alone again in his ward meetinghouse. After turning out the lights in the cha-

General Conference Guide - Fall 2026

pel, he lingered for a moment as the moonlight shone through the windows onto the pulpit. “The familiar sense of peace again washed over him, and he sat down near the front of the chapel and reflected on the myriad sacred moments he had experienced in that setting—the many times he had observed the priests breaking the bread at the sacrament table, the occasions when he had felt the Holy Spirit accompanying him as he delivered a ward conference address, the baptismal services he had conducted, the beautiful choir numbers he had heard, and the numerous testimonies from ward members that had touched him so deeply. Seated alone in that dark chapel, he felt overcome by the collective impact of these experiences on his life and on the lives of his ward members, and he bowed his head in profound gratitude.” Davies explained that his friend had “been wisely and correctly taught that the most sacred places on earth are the temple and the home, but through the two experiences related above, he also

came to understand the sacred nature of our meetinghouses. Because they are dedicated by priesthood authority, these facilities become settings in which the Lord pours out revelations upon his people and in which the ‘power of godliness is manifest’ through the ordinances that take place there (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20). He advised member to enter the place of worship “with an attitude of deep and sincere reverence” to be able to receive available spiritual blessings and reference Doctrine and Covenants 59:9, which says “go to the house of prayer and offer up [our] sacraments upon [the Lord’s] holy day.” Davies quoted the late Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who said: “In addition to making time for more home-centered gospel instruction, our modified Sunday service … emphasizes the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as the sacred, acknowledged focal point of our weekly worship experience. We are to remember in as personal a way as possible that Christ died from a heart broken by

shouldering entirely alone the sins and sorrows of the whole human family. “Inasmuch as we contributed to that fatal burden, such a moment demands our respect.” Davies explained the the meetinghouse is the “appointed place” for the weekly ordinance of the sacrament as well as other ordinances. He said: “In addition to the reverence we feel during the weekly ordinance of the sacrament, our feelings of reverence and respect are amplified when we consider the other priesthood ordinances and blessings carried out in the meetinghouse, including the naming and blessing of children, baptisms and confirmations, priesthood ordinations, and settings apart for callings. Each of these ordinances and blessings can bring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit if those who participate and those who attend come in an attitude of reverence.” In addition to sacred ordinances, he also discussed the value of have a time and location to focus on worship the Savior, Jesus Christ.

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“The Sabbath day affords us the opportunity to worship the Lord during our home study and as a congregation during our sacrament and other meetings,” Davies said. “Since the earliest days of the Church, the Saints have enjoyed coming together to socialize and form bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Our meetinghouses are even designed with spaces to accommodate such activities during the week. We must never lose sight of the primary purpose of these facilities, however, which is to provide a place of worship.” He said this mentality should always be in the minds of members who are at church meetinghouses. “This central purpose of worship should therefore influence our conduct in meetinghouses even when we are engaged in social or recreational activities,” Davies said. “Great care should be taken to minimize disorder, debris, or damage to any part of the facility resulting from Church activities, and action should be taken to promptly clean or repair it in the event of such an occurrence.”

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TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER

Members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee visited Welfare Square in Salt Lake City on July 12, 2024. COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Facilities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also provide for physical needs

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COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Members visit the Bishop’s Storehouse.

uch of the physical structures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are dedicated to seeing to the spiritual needs of people throughout the world, places like temples, tabernacles and meetinghouses. But while providing places for spiritual guidance is the main objective of the church, it also has created programs and structures to see to the physical needs of both members and the broader world population. The Church of Jesus Christ reported the following statistics from its efforts in 2025:  3,514 humanitarian projects  7.4 million volunteer hours  196 countries and territories where projects occurred  $1.58 billion in expenditures Here are a few examples of the locations created to facilitate such service,

with descriptions as listed on churchofje- but with the depression increasing suschrist.org: need so substantially, these efforts expanded. Welfare Square’s larger, highWELFARE SQUARE ly organized infrastructure enabled The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- the Relief Society and the Church as a day Saints created Welfare Square to care whole to care for more people in need at for those in need and is currently com- a new scale. Over time, the number of facilities at prised of six facilities in downtown Salt Lake City: a food storehouse, cannery, Welfare Square has grown—from towbakery, dairy, employment center, and ering grain silos once poured by hand to the six-plus facilities you can experience Deseret Industries thrift store. Members of the Church volunteer on an in-person, behind-the-scenes their time at Welfare Square to keep these tour today. Through these facilities, the facilities running. These facilities pro- Church holistically cares for and lifts vide food for members of the Church in individuals in need—of all backgrounds, need, people of different or no faith that colors, and creeds. More than a collection of resources, are hungry, and food banks both locally Welfare Square is a place where disciples and across North America. Welfare Square was initially estab- of Jesus Christ put faith into action and lished during the Great Depression. answer the Savior’s commandment to The Relief Society (the women’s orga- “love thy neighbor” (Matthew 22:39) by nization of the Church) had long led out feeding the hungry, lifting burdens, and on the charitable efforts of the Church, offering growth opportunities.

HUMANITARIAN CENTER The work done at the Humanitarian Center is part of the Church’s larger effort to care for those in need. Through these efforts, the Church and its members observe the second great commandment Jesus Christ taught: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). During Christ’s earthly ministry, a lawyer challenged this commandment with the question, “who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The Lord replied with the Good Samaritan parable, which exemplifies that we are meant to treat all people—no matter their different religious backgrounds, cultural origins, or nationalities—as our neighbors, and offer mercy and support. This is what the Church and its members strive to do at the Humanitarian Center.

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COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Shelves line an aisle at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City. The Humanitarian Center was established in 1991 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a two-fold mission: provide job training for displaced people and others seeking employment skills and prepare charitable supplies for those in need across the world. As the center has evolved, the principles of caring for those in need, fostering self-reliance, and encouraging service have remained constant. Each year, the Humanitarian Center hires hundreds of new employees to undergo work training, which includes opportunities to learn skills such as production, forklift operation, food service, custodial, and maintenance. Associates sort and process surplus donations from Deseret Industries thrift stores, which are then distributed for humanitarian aid, sold to other recycling buyers, or recycled when unusable in an effort to care for the earth.

Members of the Church also volunteer at the Humanitarian Center creating quilts and serving those in need in other ways. At the Humanitarian Center, associates are paid to sort through thrift store donations and package materials for humanitarian efforts across the globe. Associates who are immigrants (either seeking asylum or otherwise) are also paid to take English classes as part of their workday. Expert staff members support associates’ needs and development throughout their tenure. They may help development in the following ways:  English practice  Interpersonal employment skills  Practical employment skills and certifications  Citizenship  Job placement  Longer-term career planning

BISHOPS’ CENTRAL STOREHOUSE Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow the Savior’s second great commandment “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39) by caring for those in need. The Bishops’ Central Storehouse is an integral part of this effort. During His ministry, the Savior took the offering of five loaves and two fishes and multiplied them to feed 5,000 people. In the same spirit, today, members of the Church donate fast offerings to fill the Bishops’ Central Storehouse with food and other essentials. These necessities go on to feed millions of people, including both Church members and individuals in communities worldwide. To meet the immediate needs of Church members and others across

North America, the Church operates five bishops’ central storehouses, which prepare and distribute food and other resources to hundreds of local bishops’ storehouses. The Bishops’ Central Storehouse (BCS) in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the largest of the bishops’ central storehouses, storing hundreds of items, including fresh and canned food items and hygiene products like dish soap, diapers, and cleaning materials. The Utah BCS is also the main terminal for Deseret Transportation, which has a fleet of 42 semitrucks to ensure that the food and other items are available where and when they are needed. On occasion, emergency equipment such as electrical generators, shovels, and chainsaws are also sent from the Bishops’ Central Storehouse to areas where people have suffered the effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

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There are five bishops’ central storehouses which are major hubs across North America that provide stock to smaller, local storehouses for people in need in those locations. For example, in 2025, 879 loads of product were provided to local food banks and emergency response efforts. Although the efforts at the five bishops’ central storehouses are specific to North America, the Church operates local bishops’ storehouses worldwide. All food and supplies are provided free of charge through a referral from a bishop. In areas of the world where there is not a local bishops’ storehouse, local Church leaders can connect individuals in need with resources that provide the COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS same assistance through Inside the Humanitarian Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on May 19 employees (known as associates) process other infrastructure. excess clothing from Deseret Industries stores for humanitarian aid and recycling.

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250 YEARS OF UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

will find highlights and lowlights Within these pages, readers as the character and political presidency is as vast and complex of triumph and failure, of human The story of the American quickly, Washington to — stories are designed to capture interest Each president, from George complexity. These snapshots into the history of the nation itself. its laws, and history enthusiasts a doorway imprint on the country, shaping offering both casual readers the present day, left a unique subject of the presidency. larger and endlessly fascinating culture and place in the world. require curiosity, it also inspires legacies of these leaders would of this volume that in sparking hope the is It Fully exploring the lives and presidency is That than 250 years, the American research and a lifetime of study. further exploration. For more countless volumes, years of and ideals. Chiefs: Fascinating Facts the ambitions to “Hail struggles, Instead, nation’s has reflected the to not the aim of this book. quirks, engaging facts, this book aims highlights memorable moments, By providing a collection of about Every U.S. President” unique, country this how presidency learning about that made each encourage readers to continue accomplishments and controversies familiar through the leadership of its and enjoyable way to become was founded, built and maintained providing an easily accessible and colorful details of presidential presidents. with some of the defining episodes history.

WILLIAM MCKINLEY

ANNEXED HAWAII:

EVERY - FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT President4Grover THE CHIEFShad Cleveland • HAIL TO rejected annexation requests by businessmen in the Hawaiian Islands, but during the SpanishAmerican War, public opinion and President McKinley held a more favorable attitude toward the idea, seeing the islands as having both a strategic and economic benefit for the U.S. At McKinley’s request, Congress voted to make Hawaii a territory on Aug. 12, 1898.

A photo of President William McKinley

PHILIPPINES REVOLT:

PARTY: Republican VICE PRESIDENTS: Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909. Roosevelt succeeded to the presidency Sept. 14, 1901, after the death of President William McKinley and the vice presidency remained vacant until 1905.)

BORN: Oct. 27, 1858 SPOUSES: Alice Hathaway Lee (married

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY:

McKinley was the first president to ride in an automobile. He did so in a Stanley Steamer in Canton, Ohio, on Nov. 1, 1899.

80 • HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

SWORN INTO OFFICE: Sept. 14, 1901 LEFT OFFICE: March 4, 1909

and the members of his cabinet.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW Canton, Ohio 44708 mckinleymuseum.org

The William McKinley National

in 1880, 1 child. She died in 1884 after the birth of their child.) Edith Kermit Carow (married in 1886, 5 children)

Memorial in Canton, Ohio.

Sources: whitehousehistory.org millercenter.org history.navy.mil history.state.gov britannica.com

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

DIED: Jan. 6, 1919

WENT WEST AFTER HIS WIFE’S DEATH:

While studying at Harvard, Roosevelt met his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. Alice gave birth to their first child on Feb. 14, 1884, and died two days later. Roosevelt’s mother died the same day as his wife. With the hope that hard work would stave off depression, Roosevelt left his newborn daughter in the care of his sister and went west, where he took up cattle ranching in the badlands of the Dakota Territory. His hard work brought acceptance by area residents skeptical of the Harvard-educated Easterner. Having been born into the elite circles of New York, this experience gave him an appreciation for the lives of regular Americans. A hard winter that killed most of his cattle herd ended his ranching days and sent him back to New York.

Roosevelt assumed the presidency at age 42 upon the death of President William McKinley, making him the youngest president in the nation’s history. (John F. Kennedy was 43 when he became president, making him the youngest person to be elected as the presidential candidate on the ballot.)

WHERE BURIED: Youngs Memorial Cemetery, Oyster Bay, New York

President Theodore Roosevelt smiles

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING FACTS

ANDREW JACKSON STATES THAT JOINED THE UNION DURING HIS PRESIDENCY:

Arkansas (1836) and Michigan

SWORN INTO OFFICE: March

4, 1829

LEFT OFFICE: March 4, 1837 PARTY: Democratic VICE PRESIDENTS:

Calhoun John C. Calhoun: 1825-1832. the vice resigned Dec. 28, 1832, and until 1833. presidency remained vacant Martin Van Buren: 1833-1837

BORN: March 15, 1767, near Lancaster, South Carolina

SPOUSE: Rachel Donelson Robards

When

CHILDREN: No biological children. had

Rachel’s brother and sister-in-law one of twins, the Jacksons adopted Jackson Jr. them, naming him Andrew young Native The Jacksons also raised a on a American boy who was found died at about Creek War battlefield. He 16 years of age.

DIED: June 8, 1845 WHERE BURIED: The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s estate), Tennessee

Nashville,

24 • HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

NATIONAL POLITICAL IMPACT:

Jackson is considered the founder Democratic Party.

(1837)

FIRST “WESTERN” PRESIDENT

“self-made” Andrew Jackson was the first the “West” man and the first person from His father died to ascend to the presidency. At age 13, he a few weeks before his birth. his two older followed in the footsteps of brothers and joined the Revolutionary killed. His were brothers both effort; War he was 14. He mother died of cholera when Carolina, eventually studied law in North practiced law, then moved to Tennessee and He also eventually settling in Nashville. general major a as 1812 of War fought in the and was considered a war hero.

POLITICAL CAREER TIED TO TENNESSEE STATEHOOD: of the

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

YOUNGEST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY:

Oklahoma (1907)

With the Spanish-American War ending Spanish colonial rule in the West, the U.S. proving its power in the Pacific, and the obtaining of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Hawaii, the U.S. achieved a new position as a world power during the McKinley administration.

THE AGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE:

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

STATE THAT JOINED THE UNION DURING HIS PRESIDENCY:

EXPANDED INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS:

Filipino nationalists revolted after the Spanish-American War, seeing the U.S. as a colonizer like Spain before it. The conflict was brutal and killed more than 4,200 U.S. service members and 20,000 Filipinos. The conflict lasted three years, ending under President Theodore Roosevelt when the resistance faded. The Philippines became autonomous in 1935 and, in 1946, the U.S. granted it independence.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

U.S. PRESIDENT

was Jackson’s first elected position Tennessee serving as a delegate to the where he helped Constitutional Convention, constitution. draft Tennessee’s first state to the After Tennessee was admitted elected as the union in 1796, Jackson was House of state’s first member of the U.S. as a U.S. Representatives. He later served senator from Tennessee.

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in an automobile.

ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT • 81

DEFENSE OF NEW ORLEANS:

the Tennessee Selected to be the general of great success Militia in 1802, Jackson found James Madison as a military leader. President general of the commissioned him as major 1812, and, with U.S. Volunteers in December hostile Native against battles in victories sent to Americans, Jackson was eventually an anticipated defend New Orleans from War of 1812. British invasion during the and lacking the Despite being outnumbered Jackson’s battle experience of the British, and forced army defeated their adversaries Today, Jackson the British out of Louisiana. this victory. Square in New Orleans honors

• 5

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PR ESIDENT Presented in celebration of 250 Years

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PRESIDENTIAL POWER:

Jackson expanded During his terms in office, significantly. He the power of the presidency his predecessors vetoed 12 bills, more than all cabinet combined, and forced out disloyal secretaries members, going through four of the treasury of state and five secretaries He also during his two terms in office. people, casting worked to connect with the champion. himself as their defender and

PLANTATION OWNER:

farm, which Jackson purchased a 425-acre in 1804 in the he named The Hermitage, of making it into Nashville area with the goal Other crops a profitable cotton plantation. the time of were grown there as well. At 160 slaves were than more death, Jackson’s and care for required to run the plantation the Jackson family.

SURVIVED THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT:

Lawrence walked On Jan. 30, 1835, Richard he left the U.S. up to President Jackson as it at the Capitol, took out a pistol, pointed The gun president and pulled the trigger. shooting the misfired, and Lawrence tried pistol. It also president again with a second misfired.

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

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FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

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General Conference Guide - Fall 2026