Dixon named head of Mormon temple

Friday, Aug. 22, 2003 | 11:07 a.m.

The new president of the Las Vegas Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called his late predecessor a "man of great conviction" and said he hopes he can continue that legacy.

Frank Frederick Dixon, 70, was named by church President Gordon B. Hinckley to replace Don Christensen, who died July 24. The appointment, which took effect Aug. 11, was announced today by the Las Vegas Multi-Stake Public Affairs Council.

Hinckley also appointed Dixon's wife, Nancy Ann Stapley Dixon, as matron, which places her in charge of all women's functions at the local Mormon temple at 827 Temple View Drive in the shadow of Sunrise Mountain.

"President Christensen was a man of great conviction, a competent administrator and a marvelous mentor," said Dixon, who had served as Christensen's first counselor since November 2001 and has been the interim president since Christensen's death.

"I pray I can continue his legacy of dedicated service to the Lord and the patrons of the temple."

The president is responsible for all facets of operations at the temple.

Charles William Johnson, who served as second counselor, was named first counselor and C. Owen Roundy was appointed second counselor.

Dixon was born in Gooding, Idaho, and has served as bishop and stake president, among other leadership positions within the church. Nancy Dixon, a native Nevadan, also has held leadership positions, the Public Affairs Council said.

The couple served on a two-year mission in Africa from 1999-2001.