Dreams of temples once seemed distant for Latter-day Saints in Quebec. Now before us stands the Eglise De Jesus Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours. It is a testament to faith, perseverance and community. Let’s step back to understand the Eglise De Jesus Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours. Its story began with early missionaries arriving in Quebec in 1833.
These first missionaries sought converts. Some early converts journeyed to Kirtland Ohio to join fellow saints. They later settled in the mountain regions of the Western United States. For decades after the 1840s there were few members of the Church in Quebec. The Church re-established its presence organizing the Eastern States Mission in 1893. This included eastern Canada. Missionaries occasionally visited Quebec in the early 1900s.
In 1919 the Canadian Mission was founded in Toronto. Missionaries then started serving permanently in Montreal. A significant moment occurred September 16 1928. Charles H Hart organized the Montreal Branch with James McCance as president. The Church acquired its first worship place in Quebec in 1942. It was located on Boulevard Saint-Joseph in Montreal.
Initially missionaries focused on English-speaking Quebecers. A shift occurred April 20 1961. Thomas S Monson opened the work in French. He assigned French-speaking missionaries. This marked a turning point. On June 10 1970 the Canadian Mission became the Ontario-Quebec Mission. It was later divided July 14 1972 creating the Quebec Mission. The mission name changed again June 20 1974. It became the Canada Montreal Mission.
Montreal hosted the World’s Fair in 1967. The Church opened a pavilion called “Man and His World”. Hundreds of thousands visited. This event spurred significant growth particularly among French speakers. Church membership grew. In 1970 there were 1278 Latter-day Saints. By 2000 membership had increased to 8745.
Thomas S Monson organized the first Quebec stake June 18 1978. It was the first French-speaking stake in North America. This new stake included several wards and branches. On June 4 2000 Gordon B Hinckley dedicated the Montreal Quebec Temple. This temple closed for renovations in June 2014. It was rededicated November 22 2015.
Today Latter-day Saints in Quebec number over 11000. They reside in four stakes and thirty-eight congregations. These members come from diverse backgrounds. They participate in politics academia and community service. Quebec Mormons are dedicated to enhancing their province.
The Eglise De Jesus Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours embodies growth. It shows dedication and community spirit. It stands as a beacon. It represents the enduring legacy of faith in Montreal. It enriches Quebec’s cultural mosaic.