President Hinckley

Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced this evening that Church President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed away. He passed away at his home about 7 o’clock this evening with his family at his side. President Hinckley was 97 years old. He was the 15th president of the Church. Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910; he graduated from the University of Utah and served a mission to Great Britain. After he returned, he embarked on a lifetime of service for the Church. He was employed as the executive secretary of the Church Radio, Publicity, and Literature committee, before he was called to be an Apostle in 1961. He was later called to serve as a counselor to President Kimball, President Benson and President Hunter. Since becoming Church President on Mar. 12, 1995, he has directed the most intense temple building program in the history of the Church in an effort to extend temple blessings to more members. He has exhibited vitality and energy as he has traveled about the world meeting and speaking to members of the Church. Through television interviews and national press publications, he has increased media attention and improved the public image of the Church. He has counseled Church members to fellowship new converts, befriend members of other faiths, live exemplary lives, and avoid the evils of the world. Many people are just getting the news. The atmosphere right now is one of pure shock around the Conference Center and Temple Square. Some people are very upset, but many seem to have braced themselves for this day, knowing it would come, partly because of some of his health problems in recent years. A lot of the people we spoke with at Temple Square just wanted to celebrate his life.One man said he’d remember, “definitely his character, his love for everyone.

The charity he showed towards all people as he traveled. You can see in his face the love in his eyes for the gospel and for everyone.”A woman said, “His countenance, the way he’s always smiling, even though he’s probably not doing to well. I just think he’s probably pretty happy right now with his wife.”

Another woman said, “He was a really cool guy. He was really funny. He’d always wave his cane around, and it was just fun.”

A man said, “He was a great guy. You know, he’s the only president we’ve ever really known. He’s been president most of our lives; I’m 18, so you know, we’re really gonna miss him. I come here sometimes at night. I know he lives right up there in that apartment, and I just sit there thinking, you know, he’s inspired.”

A lot of people also talked about the charisma that President Hinckley had and how when he spoke, you couldn’t get that voice out of your mind. People are beginning to gather at Temple Square as the news filters out.

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-Our beloved prophet will be greatly missed but I know and have a testimony that he is with his wife celebrating in a place we can only dream of. I love this church and I have a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel and the great opportunity we are blessed to have a prophet that leads and guides us. The Lords work will go on when we will soon be blessed by the setting apart of a new prophet.
As the passing of another great prophet has come it reminds me how the times are quickly going by and we need to slow down and focus on what is really important.

This morning I told Brooklyn about the passing of President Hinkley and she was kind of awe struck, with a certain kind of reverence. She then told me that he is with Heavenly Father and he is so happy to be there.