Mormon President Gordon B. Hinckley passes

Officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Sunday evening that Church President and Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away. He died peacefully at his home about 7:00 p.m. January 27, 2008, with his family at his side. President Hinckley was 97 years old. Church officials say President Hinckley worked hard up until a few days before his death.{{more}}

A release from the local Mormon church said “He is now reunited with his beloved wife Marjorie for eternity. We believe families are forever. He is now continuing his work of blessing people in the next life. Death is only a veil between this life and the next. Such occasions as this make us grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that promises us the gift of eternal life. His life of Christian service inspires all to follow his example.”

President Hinckley was prophet to over 14 million members of the church throughout the world. There are over 300 members in two congregations here in St. Vincent. One of the first members in St. Vincent was the late E.T. Joshua, former First Minister.

President Cotbert Sutherland of the Kingstown congregation was very sad when he received the news. “President Hinckley was in words, deeds, and any other way we can think of, a true prophet of God. As like other great men, he had integrity, good sound principles, and a knowledge of God our Eternal Father and our Saviour Jesus Christ and their divine mission. He had a deep and abiding love for all people everywhere. He loved the youth and ever prayed for them. He has also bridged the generation gap. He will be missed for his inspired leadership and his good sense of humor.”

President of the Calliaqua congregation, Verrol Young, of Sandy Bay, said: “I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to the family of President Gordon B. Hinckley. I acknowledge him as a prophet, seer, and revelator of God. I know that he has gone to meet his Saviour and Redeemer. I love him for his teachings and for the example he has shown to me personally and to the world. I sustain him by my actions being a local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am hopeful that I could continue to be the person and example I should be.”

Since becoming Church President on March 12, 1995, President Hinckley has directed the most intense temple building programme 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.

“The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is now leading the Church. After fasting and prayer that body will know who should be the next leader. By tradition, it is the senior member of the Quorum, and that is President Thomas S. Monson, who has been President Hinckley’s First Counselor”, the release ended.