More than a century ago, a city opened its arms.

On Friday night, a choir opened its heart.

The world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir's benefit concert before a sold-out and responsive crowd of 1,700 at Morrison Theater proved a rousing success in every way imaginable.

The choir's gift of song and spirit came in appreciation of an act of kindness shown by Quincyans in 1839 to early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The asylum, comfort and shelter extended by the fledgling river town so long ago has never been forgotten by church members. In fact, it has become an integral part of the story of the Mormon faith, an act of charity which has forged a unique bond between Quincy and a worldwide body of believers.

The Mormons' gratitude spilled over Friday in the form of not only song, but a check for $75,000. All of the proceeds of the concert went to the Quincy Area Community Foundation, a non-profit public charity.

"This money will be put in endowed funds, so that 160 years from now it will still be helping others," said Jill Blickhan, executive director of the foundation.

It was 163 years ago in the dead of winter the city of Quincy rescued approximately 5,000 Mormons being driven out of Missouri under an order of extermination. Those same church members later moved on to Nauvoo, where dedication ceremonies continue this weekend for the church's 113th temple.

"(Quincy) is more than a footnote in the church's history," said Lloyd Newell, a former television anchor who is the announcer for the choir.

Newell said Quincy's legacy of mercy is known to every church member. Approximately 90 percent of the 360-member choir can trace its ancestors to those who were saved by the residents of Quincy.

"Those who show mercy are never forgotten," Newell said.

Gordon B. Hinckley, the 92-year-old president of the church, made the ceremonial presentation of the check to city and civic leaders during a break in the choir's performance.

Hinckley teased the crowd when he said he did not have the check with him.

"They already have the check in the bank," Hinckley said.

The Quincy Area Community Foundation aids arts and culture, education, health, human services and community betterment in the Tri-State area. "Through the generosity of the choir, this money will be helping people 160 years from now," Mayor Chuck Scholz said.

Scholz also lauded the work of Herald-Whig Assistant General Manager Mary Winters for her efforts in helping make the concert a reality. The event was sponsored by The Herald-Whig and WGEM.

Hinckley lavished praise on the city.

"We come here as those who love and appreciate the city of Quincy," Hinckley said. "This city will always occupy a position of our highest esteem.

"This organization of volunteer singers and the church say thank you with all of our hearts. We say thank you for what happened so many years ago."

The choir performed for approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes, receiving several standing ovations and performing two encores. During the second encore it sang its most famous offering, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a selection for which it won a 1959 Grammy Award.

The choir performed 19 songs, including encores, under the direction of Craig Jessop and associates Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford. Jessop, in his third year as director and conductor, was also overwhelmed at the choir being able to perform in the city with such historical significance to the Mormon faith.

"To say thank you seems too inadequate for what we feel," Jessop said. "For everything you have done for us, we hope this can be a small token of our appreciation."

Originally, the plan was to bring about 70 members of the choir to Quincy for a benefit concert. That idea soon changed because all of the members wanted to come and be a part of the concert and the celebration of the opening of the Nauvoo Temple.

Mac Christensen is president of the choir, coordinating its schedule of worldwide performances. The choir performs about 75 concerts each year.

"What a memorable event this is," Christensen said. "We love the people of Quincy and appreciate them. You can feel the love here ... it's the same love our ancestors felt."