posted
My understanding is the solemn assemblies only occur when a new prophet is formally sustained.
Long Question: The last such assembly was in 1995 (as I understand this. I think so many more people now watch General Conf at home due to cable, BYU TV, the Internet, etc. Back in 1995, I don't even know if you could watch it on cable, etc, as I always watched it at the Stake Center. In the area where I live, more people opt to watch conference at home than to watch it at the Church. (sicne everyone seems to watch at home in families or small groups of friends, we harldy have anyone in the chapel except for the missionaries. On Sunday AM, the chapel is usually pretty full).
So do you think this trend will impact this special/sacred Solemn assembly? Do you think people who in recent years usually watch conference at home will go to the Stake Center instead or do you think most will remain at home and participate in this Solemn Assembly in the sanctity of their own homes??
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quote:My understanding is the solemn assemblies only occur when a new prophet is formally sustained.
That's not exactly true, but isn't really your question. Solemn Assemblies are held as you said when a new prophet is sustained. But temple dedications are also solemn assemblies, and they can also be called to give specific instructions to priesthood leaders. Sometimes these are held in the temple, but can also be held in a stake center or other building.
But as to your question. My guess is that some mention will be made before the sustaining of the officers of the church in the next conference that we are in a solemn assembly and it doesn't matter where you are watching it or listening to it: In the conference center, in a Stake Center or in your home. It is still a sacred experience and you should raise your hand in support.
In any location, it will be a powerful experience.
Posts: 11717 | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
OK, this is really new to me. My understanding was that solemn assemblies are always in the temple and are for just priesthood holders. Have I got the wrong name for this meeting or does it just include more than I previously thought?
Posts: 5025 | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
I have been to several solemn assemblies to sustain the prophet and temple dedications and one other to receive instruction. I remember for the temple dedication (Nauvoo and Palmyra if I recall correctly) and the one other one, we met in the stake center but we had to get in the designated door, showing our temple recommend.
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quote:Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES
In the Old Testament, Israel met in solemn assembly on the seventh day of the Feast of the Passover (Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:8, 16) and the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:33-36; Neh. 8:18). The dedication of Solomon's Temple occurred during the latter feast (2 Chr. 5:2-3; 7:9-11).
By commandment, the Prophet Joseph Smith convened a solemn assembly on March 27, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple and in a nearby schoolhouse. During the meeting, the saints sustained Joseph and other Church leaders in their callings, Joseph offered the dedicatory prayer for the new temple, and Church leaders instructed each other and bore testimony, which led to a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God (D&C 88:70; 108:4; HC 2:410-28).
Church leaders have called solemn assemblies for many purposes since then. The foremost is to sustain general Church leaders. Following the death of a president of the church, the Church holds a solemn assembly in the Salt Lake tabernacle to approve and sustain its new First Presidency. Church members participate at the Tabernacle and in other places where the proceedings are broadcast (see, e.g., CR [Apr. 1986]:93-95).
A second purpose is to dedicate new or refurbished temples. Worthy Church members attend dedicatory services, which are held in the temples themselves and in other nearby facilities (see Dedications).
A third purpose is to instruct and encourage Church members in their responsibilities. Such solemn assemblies generally take place in temples or stake centers. Church members invited to these assemblies are usually priesthood leaders. Sometimes in such assemblies the Sacrament is served, but traditionally the main function is for those assembled to receive counsel from the presiding Church authorities.
posted
I will attend a solemn temple dedication this Sunday. My husband and I and all our baptized children got recommends to attend it at the Stake Center. Our Bishop explained that during the broadcast the Stake Center is an extension of the temple. So it is held in the temple.
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posted
Yesterday I had found an article (possibly from Wikipedia) that really described solemn assemblies. However, now I can't find the article's link. It detailed how the First PResidency stands first and votes, then the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and on down through all the different quorums, etc. Then the RS votes ( I don't recall this from last time but I guess we did this), then all the Church members together
posted
Several years ago I was driving South through Ogden, UT. on I15 while listening to Gen. Conf. When a sustaining vote was asked for, I raised my right arm, and so did the man in the car in front of me!!! I thouht that was pretty cool.
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posted
Thank you for the information and the article.
quote: A third purpose is to instruct and encourage Church members in their responsibilities. Such solemn assemblies generally take place in temples or stake centers. Church members invited to these assemblies are usually priesthood leaders. Sometimes in such assemblies the Sacrament is served, but traditionally the main function is for those assembled to receive counsel from the presiding Church authorities.
This is what I had always known them to be. I didn't relalize that temple dedications were solemn assemblies as well. I kind of lumped the first and third types together.
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In the area where I live, more people opt to watch conference at home than to watch it at the Church. (sicne everyone seems to watch at home in families or small groups of friends, we harldy have anyone in the chapel except for the missionaries. On Sunday AM, the chapel is usually pretty full).
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