Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon Bitner Hinckley (June 23, 1910 – January 27, 2008) was an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from March 1995 until his death in January 2008 at age 97. Considered a prophet, seer, and revelator by church members, Hinckley was the oldest person to preside over the church in its history until Russell M. Nelson surpassed his age in 2022.
| Gordon B. Hinckley | |
|---|---|
| 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | |
| March 12, 1995 – January 27, 2008 | |
| Predecessor | Howard W. Hunter |
| Successor | Thomas S. Monson |
| President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (with Boyd K. Packer as Acting President) | |
| June 5, 1994 – March 12, 1995 | |
| Predecessor | Howard W. Hunter |
| Successor | Thomas S. Monson |
| End reason | Became President of the Church |
| First Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| June 5, 1994 – March 3, 1995 | |
| Called by | Howard W. Hunter |
| Successor | Thomas S. Monson |
| End reason | Dissolution of First Presidency on the death of Hunter |
| First Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| November 10, 1985 – May 30, 1994 | |
| Called by | Ezra Taft Benson |
| Predecessor | Marion G. Romney |
| End reason | Dissolution of First Presidency on the death of Benson |
| Second Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| December 2, 1982 – November 5, 1985 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| Predecessor | Marion G. Romney |
| Successor | Thomas S. Monson |
| End reason | Dissolution of First Presidency on the death of Kimball |
| Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| July 23, 1981 – December 2, 1982 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| End reason | Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency |
| Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| October 5, 1961 – July 23, 1981 | |
| Called by | David O. McKay |
| End reason | Called as a Counselor in the First Presidency |
| LDS Church Apostle | |
| October 5, 1961 – January 27, 2008 | |
| Called by | David O. McKay |
| Reason | Hugh B. Brown added to First Presidency |
| Reorganization at end of term | D. Todd Christofferson ordained |
| Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| April 6, 1958 – October 5, 1961 | |
| Called by | David O. McKay |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gordon Bitner Hinckley June 23, 1910 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | January 27, 2008 (aged 97) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40.774497°N 111.86348°W |
| Alma mater | University of Utah (BA) |
| Spouse(s) |
Marjorie Pay
(m. 1937; died 2004) |
| Children | 5; including Virginia |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom Silver Buffalo Award |
| Website | gordonbhinckley.org |
| Signature | |
Hinckley's presidency was noted for the building of temples, with more than half of existing temples being built under his leadership. He also oversaw the reconstruction of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple and the building of the 21,000 seat Conference Center. During his tenure, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was issued and the Perpetual Education Fund was established. At the time of his death, approximately one-third of the church's membership had joined the church under Hinckley's leadership.
Hinckley was awarded ten honorary doctorate degrees, and in 2004 the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush. He also received the Boy Scouts of America's highest award, the Silver Buffalo, and served as chairman of the Church Boards of Trustees/Education. Hinckley died of natural causes on January 27, 2008. His wife, Marjorie Pay, died in 2004. He was succeeded as church president by Thomas S. Monson, who had served as his first counselor in the First Presidency, and, more importantly, was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; according to LDS doctrine and practice, Monson was Hinckley's anticipated successor.