Copenhagen Denmark-Mission President Seminar

We spent four amazing days in Copenhagen, Denmark at the annual Mission Presidents Seminar with 30 other mission presidents and companions. We were privileged to be taught by our area presidency. On the last day Elder and Sister Bednar joined us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to be taught by an apostle.

On the first day we visited the Mormon sites of Denmark. Situated in Our Lady's Church, the official name of the Copenhagen Cathedral, is the original statue, "The Christus", made by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

We have formed many friendships with other mission presidents and their wives. President and Sister Clegg are serving in the Spain Malaga Mission.

The cathedral is lined on both sides with the 12 apostles. These are also sculpted by Thorvaldsen. At the head of the Twelve Apostles is the Apostle Peter, looking towards Christ, holding the keys of the kingdom in his hands. When President Spencer W. Kimball visited the cathedral in 1976, he bore testimony to the group accompanying him, that:

"Today I am the man holding those keys,"

We visited the Frederiksborg Castle, about 30 minutes from Copenhagen.

King Frederik II commenced the erection of the Frederiksborg Castel in 1560. For over twoo hundred years the castle was used by the Danish kings. From 1671 until 1840, the Danish kings were crowned in the Frederiksborg Castle Church.

We only had one hour, so we went straight to the King's Prayer chapel, where the original Carl Bloch paintings are. After a horrendous fire to the castle , Carl Bloch was given charge to make a set of 23 new paintings (still on copper) for this chamber. they were of a different style than the originals. In his own view these paintings became some of the most important work of his lifetime, with new Testament renditions of the life of Chirst which we as Latter-day Saints believe to be inspired. These new paintings were done during the period of 1865-1879.

There is only one window in this small chamber. it is incredible to see the "light" in the paintings. Carl Bloch was not well liked because the illumination came from the paintings. He wanted Christ to be the illuminator of the room. I just wanted to stay in this very special room. These paintings are absolutely very inspired!

There are 23 paintings in this chamber.

Being able to come and see these paintings set the tone for the next three days.

If you looked really closely there was reflections of the two paintings. A very significant message that Christ is risen.

On the last evening we were able to take a boat tour of the city.

Sister Murdock and I were so happy when we got to sit next to each other when Elder Bednar spoke to just the wives. We had to pinch each other that we were able to have this marvelous experience.

We can't believe this is our last seminar. We have formed strong bonds of friendship that will continue way after the mission! We already have a reunion planned with the group we came out with! I love these women so much, and we are a strength and a support to one another!