Beneath Chennai’s skyline stands The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a testament to a faith that took root in India centuries ago. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has quietly grown into a strong community.
In 1851 Joseph Richards brought the faith to India. He arrived in Calcutta. A small branch was formed there. Most members then migrated to the USA. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wanted to gather members in one place. This was to build the church and strengthen its leadership. A small group continued meeting in Calcutta.
Early missionaries visited Madras now Chennai. They also went to Bombay now Mumbai and other places. They taught the gospel. Missionaries even taught tourists at the Taj Mahal in Agra. This was filmed in “The Ancient America Speaks”. Coimbatore Tamil Nadu saw many important events. This golden history began in 1963.
By 2000 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had 2435 members. They were in four districts and eighteen branches. By 2005 there were 5951 members. The church hosts All India Young Single Adults conferences. These help young members find spouses.
In 2013 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had about 10000 members in India. By 2023 that number rose to 15224.
In April 2018 Russell M Nelson announced a temple in Bengaluru. It was the first in India. Ground was broken on December 2 2020 for the Bengaluru India Temple. Robert K William officiated.
As of December 2024 several stakes and districts exist in India. These include the Bengaluru India Stake and Chennai India District. Also the Coimbatore India District and Hyderabad India Stake. Others are the New Delhi India Stake and Rajahmundry India Stake. As well as the Visakhapatnam India District.
Branches with meetinghouses are in Goa Kolkata and Mumbai. These are part of the India New Delhi Mission. The India South Branch and the India New Delhi Mission Branch serve those far from meetinghouses.
The India Bengaluru Mission covers Southern India the Maldives and British Indian Ocean Territory. The India New Delhi Mission covers Northern India Bangladesh and Nepal.
India was included in the Bangkok Thailand Temple. This happened upon its completion on October 22 2023. The Bengaluru India Temple was announced on April 1 2018. Ground was broken in December 2020.
In addition to the temple a meetinghouse will be built. It will have administrative offices a distribution center and patron housing.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chennai stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects a vibrant and growing community. The Mormon way of life embraces change. It emphasizes a life free of smoking drinking and pornography. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stresses monogamy. It welcomes all to find peace and purpose within its walls.