Gordon B. Hinckley

The Purpose of the Church

"It should be recognized that this church is not a social club. This is the kingdom of God on the earth. It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to bring salvation and exaltation to both the living and the dead."

(Ensign, May 1990, "Rise to a Larger Vision of the Work," p. 97)

All Our Family History Endeavor Is Directed to Temple Work

"If temple ordinances are an essential part of the restored gospel, and I testify they are, then we must provide the means by which they can be accomplished. All of our vast family history endeavor is directed to temple work. There is no other purpose for it."

(Ensign, May 1998, "New Temples to Provide `Crowning Blessings' of the Gospel," p. 88)

The Computer Is Accelerating the Work

"Going hand in hand with this increased temple activity is an increase in our family history work. The computer in its various ramifications is accelerating the work, and people are taking advantage of the new techniques being offered to them. How can one escape the conclusion that the Lord is in all of this? As computer facilities improve, the number of temple grows to accommodate the accelerated family history work."

(General Conference, October 1999)