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RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - On hand Sunday for the formal dedication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' newest temple, church President Gordon B. Hinckley made a brief public appearance to participate in the ceremonial setting of the building's cornerstone.

Holding a cane he rarely used, Hinckley was assisted as he walked from the temple's entrance. The 96-year-old leader made few public comments but displayed good humor in christening the church's 123rd temple worldwide, and seventh in California.

Upon noticing the ceremonial procession of officials had slowed, Hinckley said, "Move along, now," gesturing with his hand. Later, when the choir hesitated before starting, he quipped, "Where's the choir?"

Both comments drew laughs from the estimated 1,000 people gathered at the temple, located about 15 miles east of Sacramento.

Hinckley selected two children from the crowd, 8-year-old Joshua Sanders of Auburn, Calif., and 4-year-old Megan Johnston of Sacramento, to join the church leaders on the platform. The families of the two youths took particular delight in seeing their children become part of the experience.

Dana Sanders, Joshua's mother, was part of the choir and her view of Joshua applying mortar to the building's cornerstone was obscured by those standing on the platform. "I couldn't see who got called up there," Dana said, "but I looked down and saw the bag he was holding, and I said, 'Is that my Joshua who's up there?' "

Joshua's participation add- ed an extra sense of gratification to the family's day. Dana Sanders' 3-year-old daughter, Emily Sariah, was struck by a car and killed last year, but before she died she had her name etched on a rock that is now part of the new temple's landscaping.

An image of the San Diego temple is displayed on Emily's headstone, Dana Sanders said, "but I think this one is her favorite now."

Elder Richard G. Hinckley, the president's son, acknowledged that the building of a temple in the Sacramento area was overdue, citing the fact that an estimated 51,000 LDS members reside in the region. The four dedication ceremonies held Sunday were carried by satellite feed to 21 gathering places around the state.

"California is a special place to us," Richard Hinckley said. "There are more members of our church here than in any other state except Utah, and it was important to us that we give them a place to worship. President Hinckley is a big believer in bringing temples to the people, instead of bringing the people to the temples."

The 19,500-square-foot facility is a medium-sized one by LDS standards, but it seemed to be welcome to many worshippers in the area. Before, the temples closest to Sacramento were located in Oakland, Calif., and Reno, Nev. - both at least 90 miles away.

"We have been preparing for this for a long time," said Ana Johnston, mother of Megan. "We have been going to Oakland, and now instead of driving two hours, it's 20 minutes."