June 26th, 2025, 4:15pm MDT
Approximately 60 years after the formation of the first branch of Luxembourg, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this small European country celebrated their first meeting place.
“This building belongs to all of you, not just the church, it belongs to the community,” said Michael Ulrich, president of the Nancy France stake, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Strassen, Luxembourg on June 13th.
James W. McConkie III (the general authority of the President of the Central Region of Europe and the second counselor) attended the festival and attended Sunday meetings in both wards.
Elder McConkey noted the cultural diversity of open house visitors and volunteers, saying, “God loves all children and feels joy when they come together.”
The building (formerly a bank) was bought by the church in 2018, but no celebrations or community outreach were held due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says Ornella Ulrich Bicchierri, communications director for churches in Luxembourg and Northeast France.
Seven years later, Ulrich Bicchieri said, “Even if they had been using the building for several years, they still decided there was still reason to celebrate.”
Lewis Howarth, the first counselor for Nancy France’s stake president, said such events could attract others to the gospel.
“By opening our doors and being known throughout our community, we hope that our church buildings will serve as shelter for those in need of peace and friendship,” he said. “If we continue to be hidden, how do we shine so that everyone can see?”
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, community members learned more about the place of worship at the open house held June 14-15. Signs with various rooms details and beliefs and practices of the Latter-day saints were displayed throughout the meeting hall.
The open house brought the community together as guests such as Luxembourg’s Cardinal Jean Claude Horelich, Prime Minister Rabbi Alain Nakacci, Muslims, Hindu and Baha’s faith representatives visited the meeting hall.
President Ulrich explained how such events could open doors to increase opportunities to serve others.
“By connecting with our community and other faith leaders, we hope to be able to work together on good projects and help those in need,” he said. “And by doing all that, the members of the Church are ambassadors of his name, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ by doing so in the spirit of unity.”
The meeting hall has two wards consisting of 520 members of the church, with four floors of the room and a Family Search Center.
The first branch in Luxembourg was organized in the mid-1960s, and the first ward was established in January 2007. Before this new meeting hall, the Luxembourgian Saints met at Sunday meetings in hotels and other rental spaces.
