‘A peacemaker’: Latter-day Saints leaders remember President Nelson during tribute broadcast

SALT LAKE CITY – Top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid tribute on Wednesday to President Russell M. Nelson.

President Nelson, who led the church since 2018, died over the weekend at age 101.

During the hour-long broadcast, which originated from the Salt Lake Tabernacle at Temple Square, President Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles – who is expected to succeed President Nelson as leader of the worldwide faith – shared his experience visiting the late prophet at his home two days before he died.

“We expressed our love for him, our dearest friend, and gave him assurances that we were carrying on with the decisions he had made,” President Oaks said. “He smiled and tried hard to communicate with us. Words were difficult, but his efforts and his smile conveyed the love he felt for us as his counselors and for each of you in this great work.”

President Oaks also noted that President Nelson helped expand the church’s humanitarian efforts, reaching beyond members to include countries the church hadn’t always had a great relationship with.

President Nelson was also remembered as a model in showing love and getting along with everyone.

“The Savior’s message is clear – true disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers,” said President Oaks. “Russell Nelson was a peacemaker.”

President Oaks and President Nelson served together as apostles and in the church’s First Presidency for more than 40 years. They were called as general authorities on the same day in 1984.

The tribute broadcast also featured music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

“We all know President Nelson’s love for beautiful music,” President Oaks remarked.

Other church leaders also spoke during the broadcast, including Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who had been leading the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until President Nelson’s death.

He commented on one noteworthy aspect of President Nelson’s tenure: temples. During his nearly eight years leading the church, President Nelson personally announced 200 temples to be built around the world.

“He has loved temples. He has built them. He has dedicated and attended them. He has encouraged all to hold a temple recommend and to use them,” Elder Holland said. “My only disappointment at this bittersweet time of loss and love is that Russell Nelson was not able to rededicate his beloved Salt Lake Temple.”

The Salt Lake Temple has been under renovation since late 2019 and is expected to reopen in 2027.

“But,” Elder Holland added, to laughter, “he’ll have a much better view of it all now, and those in charge better do it correctly.”

Elder Holland pointed out that President Nelson had many family responsibilities. He was the father of 10 children. His first wife, Dantzel Nelson, died in 2005, after which he married Wendy Watson.

“It cannot be overstated that his family meant everything to him,” Elder Holland said.

President Nelson was also remembered for his ability to connect with people.

“I admired in President Nelson an inspired capacity to remember names and faces of people he had met,” said Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who had been serving as second counselor in the First Presidency. “With this gift, he had the ability to make each person feel loved.”

“President Russell M. Nelson was exactly the man you believed him to be,” said Bishop Gérald Caussé, the faith’s presiding bishop. “He embodied unwavering faith, pure love, and profound compassion for all of God’s children.”

“I join with you,” said Primary General President Susan H. Porter, “in thanking my Heavenly Father for the blessing of being taught and loved by President Russell M. Nelson.”

Church members remember his legacy

For some, they said it gives them a chance to exhale a bit from the chaotic events in Utah the last few weeks, and is a wonderful way to come together and remember the prophet they held in such high esteem. They thought the tribute Wednesday – including the stories about President Nelson, the music, and prayers on his behalf – was really needed to mourn his passing.

While church members recognized there would be messages about President Nelson at general conference this weekend, the tribute allowed them to feel close to him and appreciate all he’s done for them.

“I think it’s good for people who grew up with him, like me, to have something like this to remember him by,” Leah Lewis, a member of the church, said.

Tom Allmand, another member, added, “Gentlemen like him, who (have) contributed so much to the church but also outside the church, it’s wonderful to remember those accomplishments.”

In some ways, the tribute was exactly what church members said they needed to say goodbye. They’re looking forward to what they’ll hear about President Nelson in the days ahead. They said it’s a good reminder that while he may not be here physically, he’ll still be here spiritually, and so is everything he put in place while he was on Earth.

President Nelson’s public viewing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6. His funeral will follow the next day, Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Conference Center.