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Interfaith rite launches inaugural
Deseret Morning News (Utah)
Monday, January 03, 2005
By Joe Bauman ([email protected])
A preview of an inaugural speech, lessons in the importance of kindness
and good deeds, prayers by representatives of several religions and
rousing songs by Utahns of varying ethnic backgrounds were highlights of
an interfaith music service Sunday night.
The service was a pre-inaugural celebration held at the First
Presbyterian Church, 12 C St. It attracted an estimated 300 Utahns,
including religious leaders, Gov.-elect Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and
Huntsman's family.
Afterward, Huntsman held an impromptu press conference in which he
promised to try to "bring out the best our people have to offer," and to
reach out and touch residents of the state.
On the eve of his inauguration, he said he was what his feelings were.
"It's a combination of jubilation and fear," he said. The fear was there
because he did not want to let people down, and the jubilation was
because "we're really in a position to make changes in the state."
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discussed the kindness
that other faiths perform, such as the Salvation Army collecting
contributions to help those in need, the Catholic Church's St. Vincent
de Paul soup kitchen, the Salt Lake Dental Clinic and other charities.
When men and women of good will unite together in doing good, he said,
it helps eliminate weakness.
The Huntsman family members are "good people . . . doing noble work for
Utah and even all the world," he said. He cited contributions the family
has made, including working to improve life in Armenia, and sponsoring
the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
During LDS meetings on Sunday, a letter was read about the disastrous
tsunami in southern Asia, he said. "I'm pleased that we're there"
helping with the humanitarian effort in stricken countries, Pres. Monson
said. He said members were asked to give generously to help alleviate
the suffering.
Speaking of generous deeds, he added, "We can do it in our daily lives."
President Monson cited the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol,"
in which Jacob Marley's ghost cries, "Mankind was my business," and
Marley says he should have been attentive to the common welfare when he
was alive.
"And then of course he (Ebenezer Scrooge) had that marvelous awakening,"
he said. He urged people to think of God.
"We look to Gov. Huntsman and his associates" in the coming
administration, he added. "We stand behind them."
President Monson said, "They have the community support, and we still
have challenges."
The service began with a welcome from Michael J. Imperiale, pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church. He said his faith has always valued
dialogue and members of the religion want to be good friends and
neighbors. Hosting the pre-inaugural event was part of that outreach, he
indicated.
The Rev. Jerry K. Hirano of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple expressed the
wish that Utahns contribute abundant good will.
Rabbi Joshua M. Aaronson of the Temple Har Shalom, Park City, talked of
the diverse beliefs of Utahns. God's purpose for humanity must be to
enable every human to achieve a full, free life, he said.
"Let Utah become a light for other states, a beacon of good," he said.
Children of the International Children's Choir, whose costumes reflected
many countries and ethnic groups, sang several numbers.
"This is indeed a new day for Utah," said community activist Pamela
Atkinson. "I have a vision for this administration. . . . There will be
a focus on all Utahns performing acts of service on a daily basis," she
said.
Mary Anne Huntsman, the governor-elect's oldest daughter, and Eugene
Watanabe performed a duet "Beautiful Savior," the young woman playing
the piano and Watanabe the violin.
Readings from Hindu Sanskrit and comments were delivered by Pandit
Somayaji of Ganesha Hindu Temple, South Jordan, and Caru Das Adhikary of
the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.
A rousing version of "God Bless America" by the Ogden Second Baptist
Mass Choir shook the church, with drums, electric guitar and audience
participation.
Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish of the episcopal Diocese of Utah prayed that
God would grant Utahns wisdom and reverence for the land, and that He
bless all with democracy and peace.
"I've been inspired by the music, I've been uplifted and edified by the
spoken word," Huntsman told the group.
"The most important thing we can do is to come together as Utahns," he said.
He said he celebrates the goodness of the state and the goodness of the
people. The past year and a half he has visited all of Utah. "I want all
of you to know that I found the heart and the mind and the soul" of the
state, he said.
"It has made me a better person." What stands out to him most is the
ability as a community to reach out and touch the human heart. "I'm
going to do that and I hope all of you will do the same," he added.
He called for respect for others of different backgrounds. "It is now
more important than ever that we reach out a loving hand."
At the end of the day, Huntsman added, "it's the human heart that
matters." He pledged to do his best to promulgate policies to make the
state better.
Inauguration schedule, Utah Statehood Day
Monday: Inauguration ceremonies will be held at Abravanel Hall, 123 W.
South Temple. Doors open to ticket holders at 10 a.m.. All guests are to
be seated by 11:40 a.m., and at noon the ceremony begins. A receiving
line will be in the building's lobby.
Tuesday: Utah Statehood Day Celebration will be held at the E Center,
3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City. A free open house will be
held for all Utah residents. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m., opening
ceremonies start at 6 p.m., music groups and entertainment begin at 7 p.m.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600102151,00.html
Deseret Morning News (Utah)
Monday, January 03, 2005
By Joe Bauman ([email protected])
A preview of an inaugural speech, lessons in the importance of kindness
and good deeds, prayers by representatives of several religions and
rousing songs by Utahns of varying ethnic backgrounds were highlights of
an interfaith music service Sunday night.
The service was a pre-inaugural celebration held at the First
Presbyterian Church, 12 C St. It attracted an estimated 300 Utahns,
including religious leaders, Gov.-elect Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and
Huntsman's family.
Afterward, Huntsman held an impromptu press conference in which he
promised to try to "bring out the best our people have to offer," and to
reach out and touch residents of the state.
On the eve of his inauguration, he said he was what his feelings were.
"It's a combination of jubilation and fear," he said. The fear was there
because he did not want to let people down, and the jubilation was
because "we're really in a position to make changes in the state."
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discussed the kindness
that other faiths perform, such as the Salvation Army collecting
contributions to help those in need, the Catholic Church's St. Vincent
de Paul soup kitchen, the Salt Lake Dental Clinic and other charities.
When men and women of good will unite together in doing good, he said,
it helps eliminate weakness.
The Huntsman family members are "good people . . . doing noble work for
Utah and even all the world," he said. He cited contributions the family
has made, including working to improve life in Armenia, and sponsoring
the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
During LDS meetings on Sunday, a letter was read about the disastrous
tsunami in southern Asia, he said. "I'm pleased that we're there"
helping with the humanitarian effort in stricken countries, Pres. Monson
said. He said members were asked to give generously to help alleviate
the suffering.
Speaking of generous deeds, he added, "We can do it in our daily lives."
President Monson cited the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol,"
in which Jacob Marley's ghost cries, "Mankind was my business," and
Marley says he should have been attentive to the common welfare when he
was alive.
"And then of course he (Ebenezer Scrooge) had that marvelous awakening,"
he said. He urged people to think of God.
"We look to Gov. Huntsman and his associates" in the coming
administration, he added. "We stand behind them."
President Monson said, "They have the community support, and we still
have challenges."
The service began with a welcome from Michael J. Imperiale, pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church. He said his faith has always valued
dialogue and members of the religion want to be good friends and
neighbors. Hosting the pre-inaugural event was part of that outreach, he
indicated.
The Rev. Jerry K. Hirano of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple expressed the
wish that Utahns contribute abundant good will.
Rabbi Joshua M. Aaronson of the Temple Har Shalom, Park City, talked of
the diverse beliefs of Utahns. God's purpose for humanity must be to
enable every human to achieve a full, free life, he said.
"Let Utah become a light for other states, a beacon of good," he said.
Children of the International Children's Choir, whose costumes reflected
many countries and ethnic groups, sang several numbers.
"This is indeed a new day for Utah," said community activist Pamela
Atkinson. "I have a vision for this administration. . . . There will be
a focus on all Utahns performing acts of service on a daily basis," she
said.
Mary Anne Huntsman, the governor-elect's oldest daughter, and Eugene
Watanabe performed a duet "Beautiful Savior," the young woman playing
the piano and Watanabe the violin.
Readings from Hindu Sanskrit and comments were delivered by Pandit
Somayaji of Ganesha Hindu Temple, South Jordan, and Caru Das Adhikary of
the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.
A rousing version of "God Bless America" by the Ogden Second Baptist
Mass Choir shook the church, with drums, electric guitar and audience
participation.
Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish of the episcopal Diocese of Utah prayed that
God would grant Utahns wisdom and reverence for the land, and that He
bless all with democracy and peace.
"I've been inspired by the music, I've been uplifted and edified by the
spoken word," Huntsman told the group.
"The most important thing we can do is to come together as Utahns," he said.
He said he celebrates the goodness of the state and the goodness of the
people. The past year and a half he has visited all of Utah. "I want all
of you to know that I found the heart and the mind and the soul" of the
state, he said.
"It has made me a better person." What stands out to him most is the
ability as a community to reach out and touch the human heart. "I'm
going to do that and I hope all of you will do the same," he added.
He called for respect for others of different backgrounds. "It is now
more important than ever that we reach out a loving hand."
At the end of the day, Huntsman added, "it's the human heart that
matters." He pledged to do his best to promulgate policies to make the
state better.
Inauguration schedule, Utah Statehood Day
Monday: Inauguration ceremonies will be held at Abravanel Hall, 123 W.
South Temple. Doors open to ticket holders at 10 a.m.. All guests are to
be seated by 11:40 a.m., and at noon the ceremony begins. A receiving
line will be in the building's lobby.
Tuesday: Utah Statehood Day Celebration will be held at the E Center,
3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City. A free open house will be
held for all Utah residents. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m., opening
ceremonies start at 6 p.m., music groups and entertainment begin at 7 p.m.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600102151,00.html