The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Poland | |
---|---|
Area | Europe Central |
Members | 2,178 (2023)[1] |
Districts | 1 |
Branches | 11 |
Missions | 1 |
Family History Centers | 6[2] |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Poland refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in Poland. At year-end 1989, there were fewer than 100 members in Poland.[3] In 2022, there were 2,184 members in 11 congregations.
Year | Membership |
---|---|
1989* | <100 |
1999 | 1,094 |
2009 | 1,552 |
2019 | 2,058 |
2022 | 2,184 |
*Membership was published as a rounded number. Source: Wendall J. Ashton; Jim M. Wall, Deseret News, various years, Church Almanac Country Information: Poland[1] |
In 1892, the first missionaries entered and established the church in a portion of Germany that became Poland after World War II.[where?] The Wroclaw Branch was organized in 1909 and divided into three congregations by 1921.[4] In 1929, the first LDS Church built meetinghouse was completed for the Selbongen Branch (later Zełwągi).[5]
On May 30, 1977, the LDS Church was officially recognized by the Polish Government. Church president Spencer W. Kimball visited the country on October 24, 1977.[6]
The Warsaw meetinghouse was constructed and dedicated on June 22, 1991. Seminary and institute classes were introduced in 1991.[6]
The Potocki Archive was given to Polish officials by the LDS Church on December 19, 2000.[6] In 2016, Mateusz Turek, a native of Poland, and his wife, Adrienne, were the first natives called to preside over the Poland Warsaw Mission.[1]
As of February 2023, the following congregations are located in the Poland Warsaw District which encompasses the entire country:[7]
Warsaw Poland District
All congregations within a district are considered branches, regardless of size.
A number of couple missionaries served in Poland starting in 1977. In 1988, the first of the younger, proselyting missionaries arrived in Poland working out of the Austria Vienna East mission. In July 1990, the Poland Warsaw Mission was created, with Jeff Barnes and David Chandler being the first young missionaries called to serve there.[citation needed][8]
As of February 2023, Poland is part of the Freiberg Germany Temple District
edit | |||
Location: Announced: Groundbreaking: Dedicated: Rededicated: Size: Style: Notes: |
Freiberg, Germany 9 October 1982 by Spencer W. Kimball 23 April 1983 by Thomas S. Monson 29 June 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley 7 September 2002 by Gordon B. Hinckley 21,500 sq ft (2,000 m2) on a 3.58-acre (1.45 ha) site Modern, single-spire design with German influence and use of Gothic-style arches - designed by Emil B. Fetzer and Rolf Metzner Originally without an angel Moroni statue, one was installed as part of the 2001–2002 renovations. It is the only temple ever to have been located behind the Iron Curtain.[9] |