Saints around the world view funeral proceedings

Deseret Morning News correspondents from England, Colombia, Latvia and France sent reports from their respective countries on LDS Church members who viewed funeral proceedings for President Gordon B. Hinckley by satellite.

CALI, Colombia — Close to 100 people gathered together in the meetinghouse of the Colon Ward in Cali, Colombia to participate in the funeral of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Sadness could be found in the faces of those attending the service. We knew that we would never again see this man in this life again.

Still, there was also much joy knowing that President Hinckley now occupied a place close to God.

President Hinckley will forever remain in the hearts and minds of Colombians everywhere because of his teachings and his example. Also, we remember that President Hinckley dedicated the only temple that exists at this moment in our country, the Bogota Colombia Temple. — Edgar Henry Munoz

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CHORLEY, England — After a day of extreme winter weather that saw sleet and snow storms across the nation and tempests out at sea that left ships stranded, more than 200 members from three nearby LDS stakes left the comfort of their homes Saturday evening to watch the satellite broadcast of the funeral services of President Gordon B Hinckley.

Others members with satellite services spent the evening watching at home.

As families reverently took their places in the chapel of the Chorley England Stake Centre, situated in view of the Preston Temple that President Hinckley dedicated in 1998, many recollected that he had last spoken to them from that same chapel in 2004.

Some spoke quietly of their deep feelings for the prophet they have come to know and love for nearly 13 years.

"I feel a loss," said Matthew Robinson, a high councilor in the Chorley England Stake. "He was called as president as I was serving my mission. I guess a lot of people feel that they have a personal relationship with President Hinckley."

William Haddock of the Burnley Ward, the father of two young boys, said that when he first heard the news via a text message he wept. "But then I thought, how happy his wife and deceased family would have been to join him. It is part of the gospel plan and the church will move forward. I don't feel a loss now, but I feel for President Monson as the mantle moves to his shoulders."