Thousands Fill Conference Center to Celebrate Church President Russell M. Nelson’s 95th Birthday
Sep 7, 2019, 10:45 AM | Updated: 1:47 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Thousands filled the Conference Center on Friday evening, to celebrate the 95th birthday of President Russell M. Nelson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Nelson was born on September 9, 1924.
As the audience stood moments before the program began, President Nelson walked briskly to his seat, reflecting his energy and vibrance, even at age 95.
“Everything is accelerating, he is moving fast and we are trying to keep up with him,” said Lisa Earl, a Latter-day Saint, who attended Friday’s performance.
From familiar classics, to contemporary favorites, and hymns of faith, guest performers including Jenny Oaks Baker, Donny Osmond, Gentri, Nathan Pacheco and the Bonner Family thrilled the audience, with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
But perhaps the favorite number of the night, was a pre-recorded piano solo, Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, performed by President Nelson himself.
With a theme of “Let Us All Press On” President Nelson was honored by his family, friends and colleagues.
In the 20 months he has been president of the church, he has traveled to 28 countries, ministering to Latter-day Saints around the world.
It was a night to not just honor him for his church service, but his contributions to his family, the community, and his career as a pioneering heart surgeon.
A remarkable 95 years, but President Nelson says there is still more to do, thanking everyone for their efforts to celebrate his milestone birthday.
If you’d like to see program, you can watch it online on the church’s website and BYU-TV will show a re-broadcast on Sunday afternoon at 4:30.