Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as “Mormons“), passed away on January 27, 2008 at approximately 7:00 PM in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 97 years old. A full press release is available at the Church’s website at www.lds.org.
The news came as a surprise to many Latter-day Saints, but has spread quickly via the Internet and other media sources. We first heard about it from a friend in our ward (local congregation) who had heard the news and was calling people about it. We also received e-mails from other friends soon after, and LDS-based e-mail groups and message boards were also soon abuzz with the news.
We in turn contacted our local LDS missionaries to let them know the news. But they had already been called by the same ward member who had called us. The mission office had also sent a text message to all of the missionaries, letting them know what had happened.
As we’ve visited with people about this and read their comments, some overall themes have emerged. We’re saddened the death of our prophet. He has served as the president of the Church since 1995, and was heavily involved in the leadership before then. He has worked tirelessly in serving the Lord and building the kingdom of God, and in working for the good of the people worldwide. He has been a beloved leader and we have sustained him as our prophet. We feel a deep love for him and a strong appreciation for his service. We will miss him greatly.
At the same time, we all knew his physical body was growing old and slowing down. After all, he was 97 years old. Most men just don’t live to be 97, and those who do will have long since cut down on their workloads. But President Hinckley was still actively leading an entire church. That he was able to do so is amazing.
His wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, had passed in April 2004. He spoke of his great love for her, and while he knew that they would one day be reunited, he still missed her terribly. And now, while members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others who knew and loved President Hinckley will miss him terribly, we can’t help but think of what a joyous reunion he must now be having with his dear Marjorie. In my mind’s eye I can also picture him reuniting with his parents and other family members and friends who have gone on before him – including President James E. Faust, who served as his counselor in the First Presidency of the Church and who preceded him in death only a few months ago.
And I can picture him in the arms of our Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21,23) Truly, he has been a faithful servant of the Lord. His presence here on earth will be missed.
