Because it is impossible to compile a complete 90-year history detailing the life and accomplishments of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Church News instead offers glimpses into the life of the Church's 15th president. Following are highlights from his mission, career, service as a apostle and later Church president. Also included are accounts showing President Hinckley as a brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
In Preston, England, in 1987 for the sesquicentennial of the Church in the British Isles, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited the house he had lived in when he served as missionary there in 1933. The current owner let the then-first counselor in the First Presidency visit the upstairs bedroom he had occupied.
According to the Aug. 1, 1987, Church News, President Hinckley related: "I had to go upstairs to that room. That is where I experienced a day of decision."
The article continued: "He explained that he had become discouraged as a young missionary because he had arrived in Preston in poor health and no one seemed interested in hearing his message. 'I wrote a letter home to my father and told him I felt I was wasting my time and his money. My father wrote back a very short letter; "Dear Gordon, I have your letter. I have only one suggestion: Forget yourself and go to work.'
" 'I went upstairs to that bedroom and got on my knees, and said to the Lord, "I will try to forget myself and go to work. I will try to lose my life in Thy service, but I need help." That was my day of decision.' "
