The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held an unveiling ceremony for the First Vision Statue on Thursday, 21 May 2021 in front of the Philippines Missionary Training Center as part of the 60th anniversary of the Church here in the country.
The First Vision was a transcendent vision that occurred in the spring of 1820, in which Joseph Smith saw and conversed with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The First Vision is of preeminent importance and marked the opening of the final chapter in the history of mankind before the second coming of Christ. The statue, which stands as an emblem of that sacred event, was sculpted and donated by Dee Jay Bawden, also a member of the Church.
Elder Taniela Wakolo and Elder Steven A. Bangerter of the Philippines Area Presidency led the unveiling ceremony, which was attended by a few select guests, following local guidelines on health and safety.
Ms. Haidi Fajardo, Director of Communication for the Church in the Philippines opened the ceremony by giving a background of the Church's role in the country and the event's significance to Filipinos, regardless of religious beliefs. She said, "This 2021, a year after we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, we invite you to think deeply of this question: How do we hear God in our lives?"
Chairman Nick Lizaso of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts sent his well-wishes in a pre-recorded video. “This celebration of faith is a reminder of the opportunities of service to millions of others that lie in the selfless application of spiritual wisdom, devoted industry, and goodwill toward all people”, he said. Speaking of the 60th year anniversary of the Church, he urged the viewers to look back at the rich history of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the country. “Let us use these encounters to unite us and propel us forward. We Filipinos have a compelling need to invoke the power of united prayer, regardless of nationality or beliefs. We can all heal together”, he concluded.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte spoke of the importance of this sacred event through a pre-recorded message. “Similar to prophet Joseph’s search for clarity, we are also determined to sift through the confusion, and through prayers, we asked God to give us the wisdom to get by every day.” She also noted the impact of the First Vision. “The First Vision not only symbolizes the beginning of the Church’s [restoration], but also the revelation of the Spirit in every believer.” Mayor Belmonte also commended the Church in its efforts in the community. “Your 6 decades of steadfastness in your mission to spread the light and give service to the poor are testaments of God’s unwavering presence in our lives.”
Secretary Rolando Bautista of the Department of Social Welfare and Development noted the Church’s contribution to the country’s development. “The First Vision was known to mark the beginning of the global work of the Church, both in faith and humanitarian service. Over the years, the Church has become a vital partner of the government in reaching out to poor and needy families.” He expressed the department's support for the occasion. “Indeed, by working together, we can hurdle all obstacles and deliver genuine public service to the Philippines”, he concluded.
Senator Bong Go also offered his congratulatory message through a pre-recorded video. “This statue is truly a testament of your service to the Lord and His people. May this become a source of inspiration to you and to all of us to overcome the many struggles we are facing today.” He also invited everyone to see this sculpture as a symbol to unite, cooperate and help one another. “I believe we were put on this earth to be instruments of God’s love, hope and peace. Let us work together so that no one could be left behind as we work towards a happier and healthier future”, he said.
Rev. Fr. Carlos Reyes, Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs, Archdiocese of Manila recalled an unforgettable event during his visit to Temple Square. “I remember talking to an employee who left his job for 2 years to serve a full-time mission. When I asked him why he did it, he said: 'Because I love Jesus'. We may have differences in our doctrines and traditions, but what is truly important is our common love for God,” Fr. Reyes added. He also commended the Church in its efforts to help others, highlighting its response during the pandemic.
After the messages, Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, President of the Philippines Area Presidency, introduced the First Vision. The Church-produced video of the First Vision was shown, giving a glimpse of the prophet Joseph’s sacred experience. Of this, Elder Wakolo said, “We hope this brief First Vision video has provided you an understanding of the significance and importance of this historic event that ushered in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.”
He then invited selected guests to join him in unveiling the statue. “Thank you for joining us in unveiling this magnificent work of art that stands as a symbol of the transcendent event on that sacred day”, he said.
Elder Wakolo also spoke of the First Vision’s effect on individuals and families. He said, “This is how Joseph Smith’s First Vision blesses our own personal lives, the lives of families, and eventually the whole human family—we come to believe in Jesus Christ through the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Prophets and apostles throughout the history of mankind have had divine manifestations similar to Joseph’s. The First Vision is one of the best-documented appearances of God in history, and it is a pattern for how everyone can receive divine guidance in their own lives”, he concluded.
Elder Steven A. Bangerter, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency offered the closing remarks. He spoke of the importance of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, made possible through the First Vision. “For us, the foundation of this great work began on a Spring morning in 1820 in a grove of trees in upstate New York when God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The key messages of the Restoration have the power to bring tender feelings of love, brotherly kindness, and charity toward our fellowmen to the heart and mind of the earnest seeker of truth. These feelings, born of the Holy Spirit arise within us irrespective of a person’s cultural or religious background.”
He continued, “This marble statue may appear as a beautiful work of art to many, but for us, it is more than that. It is an emblem of the origin of sacred doctrines, beliefs, and practices that compel us to share the life and teachings of our Savior and to strive to act and to serve as He would act and as He would serve,” he concluded.
Also at the event were Undersecretary Robert Borje, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Office of the President, Rev. Fr. Richard James Babao, Assistant Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs, Archdiocese of Manila, Ms. Stephanie Ching of Business Mirror, BGEN Rodylyn “Cherrisse” Manzano, Chairman of the Naval Reserve Command Multisectoral Linkaging Committee, BGEN Raul S. Cino CHS, Chief of Chaplain Service, AFP, Dr. Pablito Baybado of Uni Harmony Partners Manila and his wife, Ms. Emmie Baybado, Luisa and Scott So of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, as well as Sister Anita Wakolo and Sister Susann Bangerter.
The Church also invited Liel Maala, Multi-Area Manager for the Church History Department, Jonathan Toronto, Area Legal Counsel, and Edgardo Fernando, Director of Temporal Affairs. They were accompanied by their wives, Precious Maala, Rose Fernando, and Allison Toronto.
The full proceedings of the event can be streamed on the Church’s official channels: Facebook (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and YouTube (The Church of Jesus Christ in the Philippines) channels.