Gordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 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
Hinckley and his counselors meet with George W. Bush, August 31, 2006, in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sketch made by Hinckley while on a trip to Mexico, detailing the floor plan of how a smaller temple would look. Housed at the Church History Museum
Hinckley's grave at Salt Lake City Cemetery
President of the Church (LDS Church)
The President of the Church is the highest office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the office held by Joseph Smith, the church's founder. The church's president is its leader and the head of the First Presidency, its highest governing body. Latter-day Saints consider the president of the church to be a "prophet, seer, and revelator" and refer to him as "the Prophet", a title that was originally given to Smith. When the name of the president is used by adherents, it is usually prefaced by the title "President". Russell M. Nelson has been the president since January 14, 2018.
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement
