Born in faithful family
Had life of preparation- Developed on mission
Wed inspiring companion
Elder David B. Haight of the Council of the Twelve reviewed the preparation of the newly sustained prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, and bore testimony of his divine calling during the Saturday afternoon session.
"With all the inspiration and love that I possess - I testify that Gordon B. Hinckley was foreordained to become the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; to be the mouthpiece of God on the earth at this time; and to lead God's people as prophet, seer and revelator," Elder Haight declared.
Elder Haight spoke of the Prophet Joseph Smith's teachings: " Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the grand council of heaven before the world was.' The Prophet Joseph continued,I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that grand council.' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 365.)
"President Gordon B. Hinckley now wears the mantle given to the Prophet Joseph Smith," Elder Haight said. "He was foreordained to this high and holy calling in premortal councils."
He pointed out that President Hinckley understands the Church and is well known by its members.
Speaking of President Hinckley's preparation, Elder Haight told how the new prophet "was born into a family of faith devoted to the precious truths of salvation as contained in the holy scriptures and revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith. His parents set lofty examples and taught him how to work and finish a task which inspired him to attain a good education and the desire to serve mankind."
Continuing, Elder Haight spoke of President Hinckley's mission to England where he developed talents in publicity and media and used those talents in expanding missionary work. He also noted President Hinckley's activity in dedicating and rededicating temples.
Then Elder Haight added: "President Hinckley's marriage to his sweetheart, Marjorie Pay, added spiritual strength and increased desire to advance our Lord's work. She has been a most inspiring companion for nearly 58 years."
"President Hinckley," said Elder Haight, "is not only a man for all seasons - but for all the world!"
After briefly paying a final tribute to President Howard W. Hunter, Elder Haight concluded, "We now begin a new era of Church administration under President Gordon B. Hinckley - beloved by all - our 15th president since the restoration of the Church in 1830.
"In the prescribed manner, we have accepted and sustained him. Through him - as has been done through prophets of old - revelation will be made available to us to meet the challenges of a modern society and advance the mission of the Church."
