“Remember the missionaries who arrived in Saint Lucia in 1983?” I ask. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in Castries has quite a story.
This unassuming building on Poinsettia Road holds a significant piece of Saint Lucian history. It’s more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and community building.
The story begins with A Clarieta Philgence. She joined the Church in England then returned to her home island. Her faith sparked the arrival of missionaries. In 1983 President Zabriskie and Elder Poelman visited. They met Philgence and the Nuttal family. The first missionaries Todd Hardy Paul Jackson Jay Schroeder and Marty Harris arrived to start missionary work. Caren Cotter became the first convert in September 1984.
The Castries Branch was organized in January 1984. Forty members and investigators quickly joined. But challenges arose. Anti-Mormon sentiment spread. Missionary visas became difficult to renew. In 1986 missionaries Lewis and Jean Call were asked to leave. This was before a visit from Pope John Paul II. Missionaries couldn’t return after the visit.
The branch was discontinued in 1994. However the faith of the members endured. The Castries Branch was reorganized in April 2003. This shows the resilience of the community. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands as a symbol of that enduring faith.
Today the Church continues to thrive. It serves as a hub for spiritual growth and community support. Think of all the lives touched by the dedication of those early pioneers. Their story continues to inspire. This small building on Poinsettia Road has seen its share of struggles. Yet the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still stands strong in Castries. It remains a beacon of hope for many.