LDS Church News,
Saturday, December 16, 1995

As Tender a Display as I Ever Witnessed

Apostle comforts "fellow servant" touched by hymn. From time to time the Church News receives correspondence that is suitable for publication in the writer's own words. The following was written by Paul H. Kelly of the Woodruff 2nd Ward, Idaho Falls Idaho Ammon West Stake.

In 1964, Italy was under the jurisdiction of the Swiss Mission. The newly established Italy District presidency, of which I was a member, was to go to Naples with John M. Russon, Swiss Mission president, for a conference.

Elder Ezra Taft Benson, then of the Quorum of the Twelve and president of the European Mission, advised us that he would come to Italy in late November with his wife, Flora. We would travel with them. Following our meeting in Naples, Elder Benson and Pres. Russon had appointments in Rome to meet with officials of the Italian government to obtain permission for missionary work to begin in that land after more than 100 years.

   We met at Elder and Sister Benson's hotel on the morning after we had held a conference at Vicenza. As we drove along the Autostrada in the mission Volksbus toward Milano the fog became so thick that it made driving difficult and dangerous. Inside the bus, our concern for the situation was eased as we listened to Elder and Sister Benson relate some of their experiences. They spoke of their family and of how they loved to sing together.

This prompted Pres. Russon to say, "Brother Kelly sings."

Elder Benson said, "You do? Sing for us. Sing "I Stand All Amazed.' "

So I did. I mean - what can you do? I can never hear that hymn but that I remember the mood and the tender, comforting accompanying sweet spirit that singing it produced.

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified. That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine to rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine." (Hymns, #193.)

  It was an extraordinary experience to do this before such an elect and captive audience as we rode through the dense fog.

After a day of delays due to the murky conditions, we finally arrived in Naples for the second part of our conference. We met in the U.S. Naval Dependent School with a group of members delighted to see the Bensons. During the meeting, Pres. Russon related some of our travel adventures, told of the privilege of being with one of the Twelve that day, of visiting the church in Milano where DaVinci's famous painting, "The Last Supper," adorns a wall.

Pres. Russon talked of our ride through the fog and mentioned that I had been asked to sing. He began to quote the words of the hymn: "I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget? 0h, it is wonderful . . . " As he spoke he began to weep and could not continue. Then in as tender a display as I have ever witnessed, Elder Benson arose, took John Russon in his arms and held him gently as John sought to regain his composure.

At some time we will pass through the veil of death. Then perhaps we may have that soul-melting experience of having the Savior greet, embrace and reassure us. I picture that scene to be similar to what we witnessed on that November evening in Naples, as one of the Lord's anointed comforted a fellow servant.

LDS Church News Archive Search | LDS Church News front page