A note of sadness accompanied the final moments of the 161st Annual General Conference as President Gordon B. Hinckley announced he had just received word that Elder Derek A. Cuthbert of the Seventy had passed away. (See article on page 3.)

President Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, noted that Church leaders and members had been praying for Elder Cuthbert, who had served "faithfully and diligently." President Hinckley extended to the Cuthbert family the love, sympathy and condolences of the whole Church.President Hinckley, in bringing the conference to a close, commented that it is customary for the president of the Church to deliver concluding remarks. "Our hearts would have been stirred had President Benson been able to stand before us and speak with power and inspiration as he has done so many times in the past," he said. "Because of conditions incident to his age, he is unable to do so. He has indicated that I should say a few words of benediction in his behalf.

"I think he would have me express his love for you, our brothers and sisters, wherever you may be across the world. He would leave his blessing upon you, the blessing of a prophet. May I give to you some of his own words, on which to reflect as you leave for your homes."

President Hinckley quoted portions from two of President Benson's earlier addresses:

"I solemnly declare that the Lord has established His latter-day kingdom upon the earth in fulfillment of prophecies uttered by His ancient prophets and apostles. Holy angels have again communed with men on the earth. God has again revealed Himself from heaven and restored to the earth His holy priesthood with power to administer in all the sacred ordinances necessary for the exaltation of His children. His Church has been re-established among men with all the spiritual gifts enjoyed anciently. All this is done in preparation for Christ's second coming.

"The great and dreadful day of the Lord is near at hand. In preparation for this great event and as a means of escaping the impending judgments, inspired messengers have gone forth to the nations of the earth carrying this testimony and warning." (Stockholm Sweden Area Conference in 1974.)

"I hope that all of us can see . . . the hand of the Lord moving His kingdom forward to accomplish on an accelerated basis toward what He designs to accomplish. . . .

"The Lord is now revealing and will continue to do so through channels He has appointed, everything necessary for the future development and perfection of His Church." (Interdepartmental meeting at Church headquarters in 1977.)

President Hinckley said, "These words have been the counsel of our president and prophet. I commend them to you as we conclude this great annual conference.

"To his words, I add my own words of testimony as one who has known and worked closely with seven presidents of the Church, extending over a period of more than half a century. I know that each of these men has been a man of God, raised up by Him, trained and nurtured, schooled and disciplined, for the great and singular and unique callings which have come to them. Our people have been blessed as they have followed their counsel. We will continue to be blessed if we will walk in the paths which they have pointed out and will continue to point out to us."

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(Additional information)

- A sense of reverence emanated from Temple Square Sunday afternoon as the final session of conference concluded. A hush fell over the Tabernacle as President Gordon B. Hinckley announced during his closing remarks that Elder Derek A. Cuthbert of the Seventy had passed away during the afternoon session. (See story on page 3).

Many lingered after the session, basking in the spirit felt throughout conference weekend.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang a touching rendition of "I Am a Child of God," with the congregation joining in for the final verse.

Outside the Tabernacle, a breeze kept the spring air cool as many wrapped in blankets to listen to the session. The bright sun was a welcome sight as it broke through the clouds.

President Thomas S. Monson conducted the session. Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone gave the invocation and Elder Benjamin B. Banks gave the benediction.