A world leader and the LDS prophet of 15 years passes away, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service and devotion.
Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away peacefully surrounded by his family last week, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service and devotion.
Many students on campus have been affected by Hinckley’s passing, whether members of the LDS faith or not. Dina Fatima, a student at BYU from Amman, Jordan, called Hinckley "A prophet to us all"
Fatima who is not LDS said that her parents sent her to Utah to attend school, because they knew that the teachings of the LDS faith and the morals are similar to her own faith. She also said that President Hinckley has a spirit about him, whenever he speaks. He taught with love, compassion, and cared not just for the members of his faith, but for all people, she said.
Karen Hepworth, an instructor at the LDS institute on campus teaches the class "Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley." One of the most popular classes taught at the institute Hepworth said, "Many of my students are very happy that [Hinckley] has been reunited with his wife, although many students are subdued and sad because this has really been the only prophet they have known in their lifetime."
Hinckley’s legacy can best be attributed to building temples and growing the churches humanitarian efforts around the world, said Hepworth.
The Temple in the LDS faith is one of the most sacred places of worship for faithful members of the church. During Hinckley’s presidency, the number of temples have more than tripled.
Hepworth said she will "miss his humor, love and his whit. Hinckley can best be described as a man that practices what he preaches."
Doug Bassett, another instructor at the Institute was the founder of the Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley class said his class derived from Teachings of the Living Prophets. Bassett felt that there should be a class specifically about the teaching of the current prophet, who was Gordon B. Hinckley.
"It’s sobering to know that this class can now be considered a church history class" said Bassett. "This class may be dissolved at the end of the semester; however as with the succession of church authority, there will be a new prophet and a new class to be offered."
Hinckley was laid to rest Saturday following a service that was held at the LDS Conference Center. Church officials say that an announcement will be made sometime next week about Hinckley’s successor, who many speculate will be President Thomas S. Monson, the ranking general authority for the church.
Jim Peterson, a CES instructor said that Monson will build his presidency on the shoulders and the works of Gordon B. Hinckley, just as Hinckley had done so with the previous 14 Prophets.
If Monson is selected he will become the 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
