Hugh J. Cannon — Witness to the Vision of the Celestial City

On the night of May 10, 1921, with the ship Tofua anchored in Apia Harbor, Sāmoa, Apostle David O. McKay — nearing the end of a Pacific leg of his world tour of Church missions in the company of Hugh J. Cannon — recorded in his journal that he had beheld 'in vision something infinitely sublime.' In the distance he saw a beautiful white city, then a great concourse of people in white robes approaching it, led by one he 'recognized at once as my Savior.' He understood the city to be the City Eternal, where the people following the Savior would 'abide there in peace and eternal happiness.' As if in answer to his thoughts, the Savior pointed to a semicircle above them inscribed in gold: 'These Are They Who Have Overcome The World—Who Have Truly Been Born Again!' Cannon, McKay's devoted traveling companion throughout the 1921 world tour, was with him during this sacred period of the journey.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

I then fell asleep, and beheld in vision something infinitely sublime. In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city. Though it was far away, yet I seemed to realize that trees with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously-tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abounded everywhere. The vista was delightful, but it did not seem to be occupied. I then saw a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one wore a white flowing robe and a white headdress. Instantly my attention seemed centered upon their leader, and though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior! The splendor and glory of his countenance were indescribable. He seemed to be looking toward the city, and the people were following him. I was so impressed by the sight that I felt like crying out to them, 'Behold, the Savior!' But I could not make a sound. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness. As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words: 'These Are They Who Have Overcome The World—Who Have Truly Been Born Again!'