MICHELLE HOFFMAN / Scroll
Choir members from the University of Utah 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th stakes prepare to perform on Temple Square before the first Saturday session of general conference.

Student choir greets people on Temple Square

Brittani Lusk LUS04002@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

The spirit around Temple Square is calm and peaceful during the 175th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but there is a difference once a person steps outside the gates onto the public walkway this year.

A new sound intermingls with the harsh shouts this conference. Strains of “High on a Mountain Top” could be heard at the North Gate, Temple Square Saturday between sessions.

Conference goers are often met by protesters shouting angry words and accusations, as well as the occasional profanity and painted sign.

“Those attending general conference have become accustomed to groups who gather on public property sorrounding Temple Square,” said a spokesman for the Church.

In the world’s territory, those who would rather the Church not exist scream things and hold big signs imploring Church members to “read the Bible” and “come back to Christ.” In contrast, university students from around the Salt Lake Valley area created an environment of peace.

University students and others from across the Salt Lake Valley lined up along the sidewalk and sang hymns. They wore small blue pins with outlines of the Salt Lake Temple to set the group apart from others.

Church leaders requested that the University of Utah 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th stakes organize a choir to create a spiritual atmosphere around the North Gate.

“Student wards ... greeted conference visitors with familiar hymns to create a contrasting atmosphere [to the protestors],” the spokesman said.

Choir members felt they brought the spirit and the people around them appreciated the music.

“I feel the spirit. As I watch people walk by, I see them smile and give us a thumbs up. I think they’re really happy that we’re doing this,” said Sommer Reinhart, a nursing student at the University of Utah.

Other students saw and felt the same things Reinhart described.

“[People] thanked us. They want to sing with us and they’re enjoying it,” said Chris Bingham, a Utah State University student.

The views of those attending conference matched those of the choir.

“It’s good because it’s a positive reaction instead of someone yelling and screaming,” said Melissa Imms, from  Melbourne, Australia.

“There is a difference ­— the lack of anger. I feel like [the protesters] are trying to bash other people; whereas, for instance, the choir is trying to bear their own testimonies instead of knocking other people’s testimonies,” said Jake Nelson, from Pleasant Grove, Utah.

The choir may return next year as the musical peacekeepers during conference to invite people into the Conference Center’s doors with words of love rather than anger.