Oakland Temple Health Miracle of David O. McKay

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The Oakland Temple was ready for dedication in November of 1964, when the Prophet at the time, President David O. McKay was in his nineties. President McKay's health was failing, although most member of the Church knew of his health issues they did not know of the severity.

President David O. McKay's had a stroke a year before the dedication of the Oakland Temple in 1963. This stroke had a lasting impact on President McKay he said "It makes me angry I have to drag my feet." Then, President McKay had a second stroke just before the dedication of the Oakland Temple in August 1964 and was hospitalized. President McKay was put on oxygen for several days. Because of the stroke President McKay had to miss General Conference, it was his first time missing conference since 1906 and his address was read by one of his sons.

The stroke had impaired President McKay's speech and mobility. To the people around the Prophet, it seemed as though President McKay would not be able to make it to the Oakland Temple dedication. Those around the Prophet were looking for assignments on who would be the person to dedicate the Oakland Temple. However, as the time of dedication grew closer the prophet did not make any assignments for others to go in his stead. Those around the Prophet worried on how this would work out. President McKay decided to make the trip to Oakland himself to dedicate the Oakland Temple agains the medical advice of his doctors.

President McKays health had improved, and it was attributed to fasting, prayer and a priesthood blessing by Hugh B. Brown, Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith. Even with the improvements President McKay was still not able to talk smoothly or stand without assistance.

President McKay flew from Salt Lake to California on November 16, 1964. His son Edward had packed oxygen and medicine for the flight. The night he arrived in California they had a press conference, but President McKay had a hard time speaking and no decision had been made if he or someone else would dedicate the Oakland Temple.

At the first dedicatory session President McKay was brought into the Celestial Room of the Temple in a wheelchair. President McKay later recorded in his journal what happened that day saying "As I entered the Celestial Room tears welled up in my eyes as I looked around at those gathered there in the rooms on either side of the pulpit, and at the Choir members dressed in white. I knew then that our prayers had been answered and I felt grateful that the Lord had granted me this privilege of being in attendance at the dedication of this beautiful Temple."

President Stone was asked to conduct the services. After several speakers had participated, President Stone stunned the congregation when he announced, "We shall all now have the pleasure of hearing from President McKay." Even the children of President McKay were shocked at this announcement. President McKay's son Lawrence and daughter in law Mildred looked at each other in disbelief as the prophet was assisted to the pulpit. President McKay gripped the pulpit with both hands for support.

As the Prophet began to speak "His enunciation became as clear as it had been ten years before" his sone Lawrence observed. Mildred was in tears and whispered "We're witnessing a miracle!" Members of the Twelve were also weeping.

After concluding his remarks President McKay offered the dedicatory prayer he said "I stood at the pulpit for over an hour at this time and I knew that the Lord had blessed me as I stood there without any support of any kind." The Prophet remarked later that when he began to speak he could feel the power that strengthened his vocal cords.

Elder ElRay L. Christiansen a General Authority attending the dedication said "I'm sure that you agree with me that the prayers of the Saints have been answered with the presence and participation here of our great leader and prophet David O. McKay, when it appeared to some that he might not be able to be present. It seems to me that with each successive session he gathers strength and becomes more vigorous and more impressive than ever."

Elder Hinckley testified "We witnessed a miracle as the mantle of the prophet rested so unmistakably upon him who has been ordained to lead us. I am satisfied that our Father in Heaven buoyed up and directed and inspired our President, our leader, our prophet."

References:

"The Oakland Temple, Portal to Eternity" By Richard O. Cowan and Robert G. Larsen p. 139-141