LDS Scene

PROVO, UTAH, AND LOGAN, UTAH—Two members of the Quorum of the Twelve recently received honorary doctorate degrees. Elder Marvin J. Ashton received an honorary doctorate of humanities from Brigham Young University as part of its commencement ceremonies on April 28. Elder Russell M. Nelson received an honorary doctorate of medical science from Utah State University at its commencement on June 3.

LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON—Some 314,260 visitors toured the Portland Temple before its dedication. Nearly twenty-two thousand people passed through the building on July 8, the last day of the open house period. Larry Linton, area public communications director and a member of the temple committee, attributed the success of the open house to “a total effort” by everyone involved in planning and daily operations.

BLAINE, WASHINGTON—Three Church members had the honor of participating this year in ceremonies marking the sixty-eighth anniversary of the International Peace Arch on the border between Canada and the United States. Brent Hummer, an Eagle Scout from the Bellingham Third Ward, Bellingham Washington Stake, carried the American flag during the June 11 observance. Warren Pugh of the Ferndale Second Ward, Bellingham stake, sang the U. S. national anthem, and Bishop Mark Lambert of the Bellingham First Ward offered the benediction on the ceremonies. The annual celebration drew eighteen thousand participants and observers. The arch is located near Douglas, British Columbia, and Blaine, Washington. It marks the longest unguarded border in the world. Veterans, bands, Scout groups, and citizens take part in the annual celebration, which includes speakers and presentations from both countries. As participants march through the arch, crossing the border, they intermesh, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.

SIRACUSA, ITALY—Relief Society leaders in the Catania District of the Italy Catania Mission recently helped organize Italy’s first National Poem Competition. A book, Women in Poems, resulted from the competition. It was introduced at a presentation in the Siracusa Branch meetinghouse. Church members in Siracusa have long been active in local and regional cultural affairs, and government leaders have expressed appreciation several times for their contributions in the community.