JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Institute is the glue essential to keeping the rising generation together socially, emotionally and spiritually, according to Elder John S. Anderson, an Area Seventy.

He spoke at the Nov. 1 dedication of a new Institute of Religion building in Jacksonville, Fla.

"We are one generation away from extinction," Elder Anderson told those present. "We have to nurture and save this generation because they are our tomorrow."

 The new Jacksonville institute serves students and young adults in a four-county area of north Florida. The 2,500-square-foot, million-dollar building was added to the back of a meetinghouse at 11951 St. Augustine Road. The space includes two fully automated classrooms, Wi-Fi, offices and a lounge with pool and Foosball tables.

More than 250 students are currently enrolled in institute activities, which include two Institute of Religion classes, potluck suppers, movie nights, game nights, and family home evenings. A group of Mormon and nonmember students from Florida Coastal School of Law study there for exams.

Vanessa Gold, of Palm Bay, Fla., who will be attending BYU in April, usually goes several nights a week.

"On Tuesday nights, about 70 attend class, and 25 or so stay to play volleyball," she said. "After that a group of us go out to eat. I love institute."

Christopher Lowery, a Church Educational System coordinator and second counselor in the Lake City Florida Stake, has taught institute classes in Jacksonville for the past six years, and students say they love his classes.

"I've never been in a class before when I was so in tune the whole time," said Amanda Rathoff, a freshman at the University of North Florida. "Usually my mind wanders off, but when Brother Lowery teaches I never miss a minute and I'm disappointed when class ends."

Russell Howarth, 2009 institute president, said, "I marvel at the growth that can occur at institute. There was one moment this semester when I sensed growth in myself. Brother Lowery asked, 'How do you feel when Christ's spirit enters your body?' I thought of Christ's tender mercy, warmth and love and the acceptance that he gives me every day. Christ is my Savior, my advocate with the father, my elder brother, and my friend."

Lowery said, "This building is not about Sheetrock, two-by-fours and pretty pictures. It is one more tool to help the individuals who come here learn of the Savior, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.

"Colleges teach things of the world and the philosophies of men," he added. "If we are to avoid the evils of the world, we must pursue a course of feasting daily on the words of the Lord. This will realign our thinking from the things of Babylon to the things of Christ.

"Institute is a place where students can avoid the evils of the world; a place where we can learn from each other, study the scriptures, and become like a family."Eileen Ward is director of public affairs for the Jacksonville Florida East Stake.