New First Presidency

Since President Hinckley passed away on January 27, 2008, a new First Presidency was called today:

Thomas S. Monsen, President - Prophet, Seer and Revelator

Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor

This is a significant event in the church. And for you too. There hasn't been any other prophet of the church since you were born.

President Hinckley was an amazing man, who served as prophet for 13 years. He did a lot of serving before that time too since the previous prophets - like President Kimball, President Benson, and President Hunter - did not have enough physical strength in their old age to travel and do the things he could do. He was physically active and busy all the way up until age 97! By the way, did you know you're related to President Howard W. Hunter? He was Grandma Jessie's cousin. They same way you and Bryson are cousins!

I hope you always remember the time you met President Hinckley. You were 4 years old. We went to Stake Conference (in St. George) and he was there. We didn't know he would be there, I don't think anyone did. He said he was in St. George taking care of some things and found out we were sustaining a new Stake President that day, so he decided to come. I remember him saying, "I have to go to church somewhere." I also remember that the new stake president's wife was giving her prepared talk and quoting President Hinckley, she said it was making her very nervous to quote him since he was sitting right behind her. She hadn't expected him to be there. When the meeting was over, we went into the foyer and everyone was standing as he left the building first. Dad was holding you. As President Hinckley walked past, he grabbed your arm and shook it. He was so friendly, even though he looked quite small and frail, he had a strength about him.

The next fast Sunday, you went up and bore your testimony about meeting President Hinckley. It was very sincere and sweet.