President Gordon B. Hinckley celebrated a busy birthday on Sunday, June 23.
The 86-year-old prophet began the day early after arriving home late the night before from a 12-day European trip that included the groundbreaking for the Madrid Spain Temple and a week in the Holy Land. (See June 22 Church News.) First on President Hinckley's schedule was speaking to new mission presidents and their wives at 8 a.m. at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. (See article on page 3.) After President Hinckley spoke, the new mission leaders and their wives sang "Happy Birthday" to him.Following his address, he returned to Salt Lake City to briefly speak to members of Kiwanis International attending a special program after the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Some 12,000 Kiwanis members were in Salt Lake City for their 81st convention. After his remarks, the choir, joined by the audience, sang "Happy Birthday" to President Hinckley.
That evening, the prophet's grandchildren hosted him at a dinner and birthday celebration.
Birthday greetings extended into Monday, June 24, as members and others gathered at a fireside at Cove Fort in southern Utah sang "Happy Birthday" to President Hinckley. He spoke at the fireside as part of Utah Centennial festivities. (See article on page 6.)
President Hinckley was born June 23, 1910, in Salt Lake City to Bryant S. and Ada Bitner Hinckley. He married Marjorie Pay in 1937, and they have five children, 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
President Hinckley asked the Church News to extend his thanks, love and appreciation to the many members who sent him birthday greetings. He received so many cards and letters that he is unable to respond to each one personally.