President Hinckley’s Remarks Honor President David O. McKay

Speaking in Ogden, Utah, at the dedication of a Weber State University education building named for President David O. McKay, President Gordon B. Hinckley honored the ninth President of the Church.

“It is appropriate now that we name this beautiful and serviceable structure the David O. McKay Education Building,” said President Hinckley. “It does him honor. It rewards his love for this institution. It immortalizes his good name. It becomes an instant reminder to every student who attends this school of the importance of integrity, of the importance of honesty, of the importance of virtue, of the importance of work, of the importance of beauty.”

President McKay possessed rare “physical and mental strength and energy, a love for young people and a great desire to see them make something of their lives, a robust appreciation for the humorous coupled with a stern sense of discipline, a dedication to learning, and an appreciation for hard work,” President Hinckley said.

As a young man, David Oman McKay attended what was then called the Weber Academy. He later became principal there, where he taught religion and literature and raised funds to expand the school. He remained the principal for two years after he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1906.

President and Sister Hinckley greet Alan C. Ashton, grandson of President David O. McKay, at the dedication of a Weber State University education building named for President McKay. (Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret News.)