CRESTVIEW — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Fort Walton Beach Stake held a Jan. 17 and 18 conference.
Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, presided over the meetings — Saturday in Fort Walton Beach and Sunday in Crestview — and addressed 998 members who attended.
Elder Robert W. Hymus, of the Quorum of the Seventy, presided over Saturday's two meetings. The Sunday meeting was held at the Crestview Community Center to accommodate members from congregations in Baker, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Niceville, Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
President Mike Roberts, who conducted the Crestview meeting, spoke of the blessings of being raised in the church, with all the teachings and examples of his parents guiding him, his brothers and sisters. Now, he said, those traditions are being carried on in his own young and growing family.
Hymus emphasized the importance of teaching children to recognize the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Several in the congregation were called to bear their testimonies.
At the close of the meeting, Anderson extended an invitation for children to come forward and shake his hand. Even though he had a plane to catch, he was there for nearly a half-hour shaking hands.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LDS quorum members visit Northwest Florida