Gordon B. Hinckley

Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910, Gordon B. Hinckley was prepared from his youth to be a prophet. After graduating from the University of Utah, he was called to serve 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. After becoming Church President on March 12, 1995, he directed the most intense temple-building program in the history of the Church in an effort to extend temple blessings to more members. He exhibited vitality and energy as he traveled about the world meeting and speaking to members of the Church. Through television interviews and national press publications, he increased media attention and improved the public image of the Church. He counseled Church members to fellowship new converts, befriend members of other faiths, live exemplary lives, and avoid the evils of the world.