In 1913 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became the first organization in the nation to establish boy scout troops. Tuesday night Utah’s largest religious denomination held a celebration honoring the partnership between the LDS Church and a service program that has touched the lives of millions of boys.
The LDS Church marked the centennial with a stage spectacular where members of the Boys Scouts of America repelled from the rafters of the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Rope courses and fire outlook stations were constructed to accommodate the cast.
BSA National President Wayne Perry was among those who presented during the performance, chronicling the LDS Church’s involvement in scouting. He joined other scout leaders in recognizing LDS President Thomas S. Monson for his years of service as a scout and member of the BSA National Executive Board.
“If ever there were a time when the principles of scouting were vitally needed, that time is now,” said Monson.
During Tuesday’s “Century of Honor” celebrations, Monson was presented the Scouting’s Medal of Honor. It was also announced that the BSA’s Leadership Excellence Complex, located in West Virginia, will be renamed the Thomas S. Monson Leadership Excellence Complex.
View the performance here.