Elder Jeffrey R Holland, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, visited and delivered spiritual messages to members of the Church in the United Kingdom and other European countries in June via a live broadcast. On the final day of his visit, Sunday 14 June, and en route to the airport to return to Salt Lake City, USA, Elder Holland was the special guest at a joint service of two congregations in the Wandsworth area, South London. He was accompanied by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Europe Area Presidency and Elder Clifford T. Herbertson, Area Seventy. It was with great excitement that members gathered in a capacity filled chapel to hear his message.
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Elder Holland began his address with reminiscences of his relationship with the area in which he began his service as a full-time missionary in 1960. He spoke of the historic significance of the area, informing the congregation that at the time the Mission Headquarters of the Church in London was located in a building close to the existing chapel. In doing so he compared the present to the past in terms of the growth of the church in the area and in the country as whole. The Church has changed around the globe and it is destined to succeed, uncompromised and valiant. "It will be a cause for joy in the future for everyone that embraces it.” Elder Holland commented. “I am thrilled to see what these two wards (congregations) are becoming, what this stake is becoming as part of the overall dramatic growth in Great Britain.” Many were touched by his words.
“For members of the Wandsworth and Clapham Common congregations it was an extraordinary experience to have Elder Holland speak to them. All who were present have expressed their feelings of joy and happiness after hearing his words and are thankful for such a great blessing. Personally I feel spiritually stronger and motivated because of that sacred visit.” (President Roderick Anatsui)
“I was very honoured to meet Elder Holland in person and felt overwhelmed when I was asked to conduct the meeting at which he presided. Over the years I have seen him giving talks and inspirational comments which have been a blessing in my life ever since I joined the church at age 16. He always testifies of the gospel as though his life depends on it - powerful and heartfelt.” (Bishop Christopher Cook)
Since Elder Holland's visit both bishops have been released and Bishop Paulo D Melo is the local leader of the Clapham Common congregation for the Wandsworth area.