Local Church Celebrates 50 Years Canberra

A commemorative weekend was held recently in Lyneham, ACT by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the first LDS chapel on May 12th 1967.

​The theme of the weekend was ‘Celebrating sacrifice and service’. This provided a unique opportunity for community members to reflect on local pioneering efforts, and the development of the Church in the Canberra region.

People travelled from all over eastern Australia to participate in the commemorations. It was a wonderful opportunity for early members to get together and share their stories with later generations.

The previous week, the youth of the stake (diocese) delivered 1700 invitations to local residents, thanking them for allowing the Church to be part of the community for the past 50 years, by inviting them to a community barbecue and open house to celebrate the anniversary.

The festivities began with recognition paid to individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the community. This included Alistair Coe; the Opposition Leader in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and representatives from Zonta International with whom the women’s oganisation has worked for many years producing birthing kits for women in less developed countries.

The large crowd enjoyed the barbecue, mini multicultural food fair and presentations representing the different youth and women organiwsations. A Church history ‘Hall of Memories’ was displayed throughout the building with quotes and photos of  displays of earlier years. One such quote said, ‘It never ceases to amaze me how much can be achieved by relatively few.’
At the conclusion of the meetings, everyone assembled outside for a photo opportunity, then returned to participate in what had been billed ‘Canberra’s biggest ever pot luck lunch’.

This was a special opportunity; not only for older members to reminisce, but also for neighbors and friends to learn more about the faith and dedication required to help this Church become what it is today.

​News Released by Mormon Newsroom