Second Counselor, Chicago Temple Presidency
La Crosse Ward ● Rochester Stake
1997 Rochester Stake History
It is a privilege to serve in the Chicago Illinois Temple. Soon after returning home from service in the Singapore Mission, we returned to the Chicago Temple, and made arrangements to serve the second and third week of each month as part-time workers. We loved the work and were able to do most of the ordinance work. Upon arriving at the temple in May, Sister West, wife of the first counselor in the temple presidency, stopped us as we entered the temple and informed us of the unexpected death of President Forbes, the second counselor. We exchanged conversation about this event and separated to go to the dressing room. Usually, there is a brother at the end of the hall, but no one sat there as I walked back. Later, I reflected that this was a good thing as he would have wondered what happened to me as I must have looked as though I was frozen after being hit with a baseball bat. The thought or voice came into my mind, “Now you are going to be called as the new second counselor.” I was stunned and thought, “That isn’t possible, there isn’t anyone in the temple greener than I am.” I knew the counselors had to answer questions and I felt that I could not answer any. I also felt ashamed for such a thought as I did not seek any office. A warm feeling swept over my body from head to toe, similar to that which I had felt many times and recognized as revelation. Later that day, I looked around and saw several brethren that I felt would be well qualified to be the new counselor.
To illustrate how green I was, I twice followed President Barton back to his office after he had tapped me on the shoulder telling me that he wanted to talk to me. Each time I thought that he would ask me to be his second counselor, but nothing was mentioned. Soon our second week of service for the month had passed and we returned to Onalaska. On Thursday of our first week at home, a call came at noon. Sister Dahlgren answered the phone and called me to the phone. A lady asked if I was Robert Bernard Dahlgren, and I answered, “Yes.” She informed me that she was President Monson’s secretary and that he wanted to speak to me. I knew what he was going to say. After gaining my acceptance, he then called Sister Dahlgren to be an assistant to the matron.
I often wondered why this calling was revealed to me. I found the answer reading one Elder Loren C. Dunn’s talks in which he stated that it was the right of each church member to know that his calling in the church was from the Lord. This opportunity to serve in the Chicago Temple has been wonderful.