Learn More About Us And About What We Believe

I’m so thankful for this Gospel that has filled my life with purpose and focus. I’ve had many spiritual experiences that have lead me to know the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s Church upon the earth. It holds within it all the blessings and ordinances Christ put in place in biblical times. We have baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, Apostles, Prophets, Priesthood power, proxy ordinances for the dead, Temples and more. I’m so thankful for knowing families can be eternal and that great blessing is available to me and mine. I wouldn’t trade this knowledge for any earthly thing.

Sister Eva Andersen

One of the greatest joys of my life has been the time I have spent and the study I have invested and the pondering I have applied to acquire a vibrant testimony and witness that God lives, that His Son Jesus Christ died for me, that a church exists on the earth today that possesses His keys of authority and proclaims His Gospel in it’s fullness, and that He has called prophets - even today. I have come to know that Joseph Smith Jr. was called of God as a prophet in 1820-1844. He has been succeeded by others who have likewise been called of God to carry on the inspired mission of this church, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I have an ongoing tesimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon and of the other sacred texts of divine teaching including the book of Doctrine and Covenants, the book called The Pearl of Great Price, and of the Holy Bible. I have read each of these books many, many times and continue to do so daily. By such efforts, my testimony of them each is strengthened, and I am improved.

Because of this “Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ”, I have valuable answers to questions such as Why am I here, Where did I come from, What lies ahead after death, and how can I live to become a better person and increase in happiness.

I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I love those whom He has called to teach us, and I love the opportunity to stand as a witness for Him. I know that He lives. I know that Jesus died for me and atoned for all of my sins, though He Himself was guiltless. I love Him.

I thank God for life, peace of mind the grace to see each day come and pass by. At a pointing in time in my life, I felt so alone, worthless, lost my self-esteem and confidence being in the Direct Provision in Ireland. I felt rejected and God pulled me through this time. For 4 years in the provision system, I was lonely and felt caged and when freedom came, God granted me my residency because I kept praying and having faith that it will come to pass. Faith brought me through, my kids felt save and relaxed in the real life they started living.

I thank God for the testimony of everyday seeing and experiencing the life before and the life now.

Faith pulled me through.

Amen

Yetty

I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so my conversion story took place over the course of my entire life and is still ongoing. From a young age, I was taught the principles of the gospel and had felt the Spirit countless times, but my testimony was mostly anchored to the testimonies of those around me, especially my parents'. I felt that if they believed, then it must be true, which was enough for me at that time. It wasn’t until after I graduated from high school and moved out of my parents’ house that I made an effort to receive a testimony of my own of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of His gospel.

I’ve come to know that having faith requires persistent effort. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lifelong pursuit. As I have aligned my life with His, I have gained a greater testimony of Him. Over time I have come to know that the Savior lived, died, and was resurrected for me. His love is infinite and eternal. I know that through His Atonement, I can become a better person every day and one day live with Him again.

Joseph Smith is a prophet called of God to translate the Book of Mormon and restore lost priesthood keys to the world. It is through the restoration of His gospel that we have the ability to enter into His kingdom and live with our families eternally. The Book of Mormon is a true testament of Jesus Christ and one can become closer to God by reading it. The prophets that have succeeded Joseph Smith are also called of God to lead this Church. Their wisdom and guidance can lead us through our lives so that we can return to our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

I know these things to be true and I bear witness of them.

I joined the church in September 1963. I was introduced to the missionaries by my parents who had joined the church in August 1963. I had made up my mind that I would not be joining the church but that changed completely while they were teaching me. On my first meeting with them I found myself setting a date for my baptism. This is a decision that I've never regretted. In July 1964 I met my wife Josephine at a youth activity. We were married by Bishop Danny Clark in August 1966.There is no doubt in my mind that joining the church in my youth has shaped my life. I know that God lives and loves us as his children. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that they appeared to Joseph Smith and restored the Gospel to the Earth. I'm grateful for all the people that have helped me over the years and to all that I have served with. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for the wonderful influence they have been on my life and for giving me the opportunity to return to them through the Plan of Salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

As I sat in the Gadfield Elm chapel listening to a reenactment of early Church leaders preaching the restored gospel, I was deeply moved to think of the joy those early listeners felt when they learned that apostles and prophets are on the earth again. I imagined myself in one of those early meetings learning for the first time that the same authority Jesus Christ gave His servants in New Testament times was once again on the earth. My joy is just as fresh today as theirs must have been in their day. I know that God loves all of His children and offers them the fullness of His gospel through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I have been in the Church of Jesus Christ now for 37 years and I know that this gospel is true, I have had many opportunities to be involved in building the Lord's kingdom. President Nelson has touched my heart and I know that he is a prophet of God here on the earth at this time and we would do well to listen to his counsel. I have decided to make this year 2020, a year of reading the Book of Mormon consistently and to feel of its strength.

I also believe that the counsel given to us by the Prophet Joseph Smith, in that the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any other book and that a man would get closer to God by abiding by its precepts. I know that as we read, ponder and pray about what we read in this book it will enlarge our understanding of what God requires of us all. I trust that the Lord will guide us as we embark on this journey. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I know that he is ever mindful of all of us. May God bless all those who have a desire to read this book and gain a firm testimony of its truths.

Jarlath Brophy – 12 September 2020

I remember the excitement across the stake so well. Liam Gallagher had just been called as district president about nine months prior and then came the announcement that the first stake in the Republic was to be organised in 1995. This was big news indeed and I think only those around at the time can understand why it was so important to all of us. It was made all the more exciting when we learned that President James E. Faust of the First Presidency was being assigned to come to Ireland to organise the stake.

Of course, in the interim, President Howard W. Hunter passed away after President Faust had arrived in Europe for various tours and business. He was immediately recalled to Salt Lake and Elder Graham W. Doxey of the Seventy, a counsellor in the Europe North Area presidency, was assigned to take over for President Faust.

Many old friends of the Church in Ireland travelled for the event including Don and Dana Gull. President Gull had served as mission president in Ireland but, unfortunately, fell ill during the weekend of the stake reorganisation.

President Gallagher and his two counsellors, Charlie Keogh and Tony O’Connor, made a great team. I was called as the bishop of the Finglas ward the same weekend and the stake presidency members were always a great support to me.

Let us not forget the visit to Ireland six months later by the new president of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. This visit surely was the ‘icing on the cake’ for an amazing year, 1995, and it was so special to be there.

I had joined the Church in 1981 and am so grateful to be still active in the gospel though far from perfect. I have known many great people over the years and think of them often. The gospel has made all the difference in my life and, for me, one of the great measures of its authenticity is the influence it has had on my character and general behaviour. As the years have passed I have noticed how, more and more, I want to do better, be better, and to overcome those parts of me that need improving.

I am also grateful to those people who have had such a positive influence on me in my early years in the church

It is hard to believe that 25 years have come and gone since that great event but the memories are still very clear and very special. I know it is a cliché in the Church but those were truly ‘days never to be forgotten’ and they have not been forgotten. I am so grateful to have been part of this wonderful time in the Church. I now live in Scotland but the Dublin Ireland Stake will always be my Church home.

It is very special to visit home on occasions and to bump into old Church friends. My wife and I had some lovely chats with some of them last time we were there. The Church in Dublin and, indeed, across Ireland, is a very important part of who I am today. I know that there are members all across the world who have special memories of the Church in their own homelands, but I also know that this is definitely the case with so many Church members from Ireland.

I would never want my personal Church history to be anything other than what it has been. I wish all the members in Ireland the very best during this wonderful anniversary year.

My name is Joyce Hay Cook, and shortly before I was baptized into the Eighth Ward, San Antonio Texas back in 1973, I found that my parental great grandparents had previously been converted to the church.

My great great grandfather was Alexander Hay and his wife Jessie Ballantyne Hay. They went west from Scotland with 207 other passengers who sail on the SS Tyrean from Liverpool, England on September 21, 1841. Joseph Fielding was in charge of the passengers. They landed at the Port of New Orleans on October 19 1841. They then took a steamer up the Mississippi to Nauvoo, Illinois. My great great grand-father Alexander died in St. Louis Missouri on July 28, 1846.

The church Ancestry records state that Alexander's birth date is third of August 1808. He was ordained a Seventy and received his endowments on the 27th of January 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. Alexander was a member of the Third Ward of Nauvoo. When he died Jessie Ballantyne Hay followed the Lyman Wight colony to Fredericksburg, Texas. My great great mother Lydia Picklehimer Minear, followed from what is now Dallas, Texas.

Nearly everyone in Bandera County Texas has a beginning from the passenger list of the sail ship SS Tyrean, as most of those in that party followed the Lyman Wight group to Texas. Some of those in the group were Joseph Sutherland, Abram Moncer, Robert Chapman, Robert Ballantyne, my great great uncle. I believe he went on to Salt Lake City to become the first Sunday School President.

In 2002, while I already knew that Jesus Christ is a real, resurrected person and my personal Saviour (through a series of conversion experiences), I had no idea about The Book of Mormon or about the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ in our (latter) days.

I had just begun a Master's Degree in Theology and Religious Studies in York, England and was very sceptical when I met two missionaries. But I agreed to pray specifically about their truth claims.

God then surprised me by answering my prayers very directly.

Then, having gained a testimony of The Book of Mormon's authenticity by the power of The Holy Ghost (while reading it through in about a week), I soon discovered that the missionaries' claims regarding Priesthood Authority and Church Organisation were also true.

So I studied carefully, observed The Church, and prayed constantly about what I was discovering. Through this process I learned that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God, called to restore the actual Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days.

Making my own decision to be baptised and confirmed as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to live according to the associated covenants has been the best decision of my life. This has led me to know that Jesus Christ is the only perfect Son of God.

This is my own personal expression of my own direct experiences. They are true. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ.

From a young age l felt a strong pull toward, and comfort in, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over many years l have experienced the tender love, watch-care and guidance of Heavenly Father. To me, His appearance, along with His son Jesus Christ to the young boy Joseph Smith revealed truth and understanding that is available for all people on the earth.

The priesthood and Book of Mormon provide us with the authority of God and scriptural direction on the way to eternal life. I have faith in and testimony of God our Eternal Father, His son Jesus Christ and the perfect guiding influence of the Holy Ghost.

Roan Ducusin – 30/01/2020

My name is Roan Macaraeg Alcantara Ducusin, of Sligo Branch, Dublin Ireland Stake, originally from Novaliches, Quezon City Stake Philippines. I moved here in Ireland on September 2002, for work reasons.

I got married to Sigfred Waing Ducusin on 3rd of March 2003 and he joined me here in Ireland on December 2003. We were sealed to Preston, England Temple on February 2005 and I got pregnant the following month, but loss following an ectopic pregnancy on April 2005 and loss another pregnancy on year 2009.

We had loads of Assisted Reproductive Treatment that resulted to nil pregnancy. It broke our hearts several times but never lost hope in tender mercies of the Lord, through the knowledge of the gospel, the sealing power of the priesthood and Eternal Plan of Happiness, we know they are not lost but ours forever for time and all eternity.

These challenges in life gets us more closer and stronger as a couple. As we kneel down and pray, fast, pay our tithes, participate in self reliance courses, read our scriptures, serve in the church in various callings we are called for, do missionary work, serve others and share the gospel including the most prominent leaders of other churches in our community, our neighbour who is a pastor, the priest in our hospital and various people we met around. They have not yet accepted the gospel but we are able to share our testimonies with them and remain as friends with them until this time.

Family history and temple work, played a remarkable imprint in our lives and the lives of the people we have around both living and the dead. The more we search them the more family relationships we develop, we were amaze to learn that our neighbour was our distant family relations too. It helps us to be more humble, patient and long suffering. Be kind, loving and generous.

We had witness various miracles in our lives!

This is my testimony, I know we are beloved sons and daughters of a kind loving Heavenly Father, He know each of us by name and as an individual. He knows my heart’s desire and He provides me every needful thing both spiritually and temporally. I know His son Jesus the Christ, my elder brother. He died for me and I know He lives. He is my redeemer, my Savior, my king. He atoned for my sins that when I repent I could be cleansed from all unrighteousness and impurities of this world. I am grateful for the power of the Holy Ghost, that testify to me of gospel truths, for leading the way, helping me to learn, and discern truth and error.

I testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, a prophet of restoration. I’m grateful for the priesthood power that I now enjoy and forever. I believe that the restoration of the gospel and salvation of men is continuous and progressing until the Great Jehovah reign personally on earth. In Jesus name, Amen.

Colin & Theresa Dunne - 13 September 2020

When the Dublin Stake was organized in 1995 Theresa and I were at the London temple with our friends and neighbours John and Eileen Connolly.

Having served so long in various callings in the Dublin District, nine years on the District presidency you would think how could we miss this historic occasion?

Well our dear friend Rosaleen Thompson was to be sealed to Rod Britton that weekend. Theresa and Rosaleen were such close friends we just had to be there to share in her special day even if it meant missing out on the event we had worked and prayed for, for many years.

Following the counsel in a patriarchal blessing, 'to play your part in building and establishing a Stake of Zion in the Republic of Ireland' we served in whatever callings the Lord required of us. It was not always easy especially in those early years in the eighties when we returned from Canada and had to start from scratch again.

But the Lord is faithful to his promises, 'if you keep my commandments ye shall prosper'. After a number of years of living in rented homes and sometimes with family we were able to purchase a home.

Interestingly in all those years we stayed in the boundaries of the Terenure unit, one time renting the Lynn's home while they served their mission.

Bob and Maureen Lynn were the backbone of the Church in the Republic of Ireland. Without their years of tireless service it's hard to imagine that a Stake would have been possible. I don't think anyone would be offended that I've singled them out, all that have known them will understand. Bob served as branch president of the Dublin branch for nineteen years. A story in President Monson's book, “To the Rescue” (page 146-147), reveals the kind of faithful servant Bob was.

There are many faithful families and individuals who helped pave the way for the formation of the Dublin Stake.

One man I loved and loved serving with was Kevin Fingleton. We served together in the Dublin District presidency for nine years.

When the stake was organized Theresa became the first Dublin Stake Young Women's president. She then served for ten years as an early morning seminary teacher and for six of those years I was bishop of the Terenure Ward.

During those years it was wonderful to see the growth of the Church in Ireland especially to see our youth develop and many of our young men and young women serve missions. Looking at the leadership of the church in the Dublin stake now, many of the leaders are those same young people we saw go on missions and some of them are seeing their children serve missions.

We have treasured memories of the Dublin Stake and the great people we served and served with. Like the members that learned sign language so our deaf members could have greater inclusion in our meetings and activities.

Prior to our leaving to return to Canada to be near our children and grandchildren I had the honour and privilege of serving on the Stake presidency with Stake president Ben O'Farrell and Theresa served on the Stake Relief Society presidency with Alice Murray and Philomena Byrne.

Over the years we saw a great increase of different nationalities in Ireland and it's wonderful to see the contribution they have made to the Stake, many serving in leadership roles. From the Philippines, Felix Bunda Bray Branch president. Of course having served a mission in the Philippines we were also delighted to hear our Filipino friend Gil Querubin was bishop of the Terenure ward.

We love and continue to pray for the Dublin Ireland Stake, it's leaders, members and missionaries.

Our hearts are still there and it's still very much a part of our lives.

Raymond Fagan – 29/01/2020

I will always remember the first Sunday Brenda and I came into the Finglas building, I was feeling very nervous, I slightly opened the small door at the front of the Chapel and looking in at the people sitting on the front seat waiting for the Sacrament meeting to start, I noticed there was something about them, they seemed to me to have a glow about them, something lovely and I liked it. Now these were ordinary members of the Church going about their own business, but they had something and I wanted it. One good brother explained as he brought us into the meeting that the men here were referred to as brother and the women were referred to as sister. Brenda and I and our 5 children were made to feel very comfortable there. Within a few weeks Brenda and I were Baptised and confirmed and began our journey of progress in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our lives were affected and blessed both by the members who played a very important part and by our kind Wise Heavenly Father.

In a talk given by a sister at one of our early Sacrament meetings she explained that in her home there’s a rule and that is that nobody in the house is allowed to shout at another person with one exception that is if the house is on fire. Well we took that counsel on board and it might have taken a little time to get it fully into place but it has been such a wonderful Blessing in our home and family for many years now, we simply never raise our voice to one another.

A year later we were sealed together as a Family in the London Temple.

We have seen so many wonderful miracles in our lives, the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father and we’ve learned to trust in the Lord and keep those commandments, pay an honest Tithe, keep the Sabbath day holy, be where you are supposed to be. Know that you can never give more to Heavenly Father that He can give back to you. He is the Giver.

I was a Farmer all my life and I loved it and was very busy every day working to provide for Brenda and our nine children and Brenda was the one who could cope with all the work in the home and the rearing of the children, I feel that she was blessed with a special and sacred gift to be able to follow the Divine guidance with this great task.

We both had opportunity to serve in many callings in the Church and this gave us great experience and ability, but I remember in the middle of it all being called to serve as Stake President, at first completely overwhelmed by the calling how was I going to get all the work done on the farm and now all that was required to serve. What about the time it takes where would that come from. I very soon learned that Heavenly Father does Heavenly Fathers work and He allowed me and my very willing counsellors and the High Council members and the Sisters and other leaders to share in the miracle and experience.

One Miracle that stands out was our organised Stake Temple visits. For a while we were troubled that each time we would organise a visit the weather would turn bad and the boat delayed or cancelled, and then (with no iPhone or WhatsApp to communicate) we would try to notify everyone but sometimes we would miss someone and they would then head to the boat and be disappointed. We would try to organise again and often the same result. After some time we prayed about it and put a plan into action asking each Bishop and Branch President to encourage the members who could go to prepare and to commit to going on the visit and we the Stake would book and pay for the boat and the two busses required. Then we saw the Miracle the weather never stopped the boat from that day and we had many very successful visits to the Preston Temple even to the extent that on one Saturday we had 103 people on the visit including many primary children and some parents that might not have been to the Temple for a while and even some who were not yet members but all were able to go inside the Temple and feel that beautiful Spirit and also meet in groups with the Temple Matron.

I learned many things one of which is that when we serve our Heavenly Father and sacrifice our time our Heavenly Father magnifies our time and our ability to do His work and somehow get our own work too He will bless us 100 fold. We have been abundantly Blessed as we live the Gospel.

These were times to be remembered evidence of our kind wise and generous Heavenly Fathers hand in our lives the Gospel is true. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

We know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church. We know that it is Christ's church restored to the earth in our day by the Prophet Joseph Smith. We know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who saw our Heavenly Father and declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him: this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father. That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22-24).

We have a testimony that our Saviour Jesus Christ lives and has not forgotten us. We also have a testimony that God answers our prayers, and He loves us. God sent His Son to die for us and atoned for the sins of all mankind by suffering on Calvary's cross. We bear testimony that our Saviour is our greatest example and through Him, we all may be able to return to live with our Saviour Jesus Christ and Father in Heaven again with our families, through the gift of repentance. We are so grateful to have the Book of Mormon so we can continually feast upon the Word of God. We know that this book is true and can give us direction in our lives.

We are grateful for the scriptures, including the Bible and the words of the living prophets and apostles. We know that our modern-day prophet, Russell M. Nelson is a true prophet of God who leads and guides us in these last days. We are so grateful that we have been able to grow in this knowledge through the guidance and assurance of the Holy Ghost. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a member of the church. My hope and prayer is that all might have the same opportunity to gain this knowledge for themselves. We invite all to Come Unto Christ and partake of His goodness that leads to happiness in this life and in the world to come. Please accept this challenge by reading the promise given by Moroni 10: 5-6.

I have knelt before God with a sincere heart and with real intent, having faith in Christ, just as Joseph did and have asked if the Book of Mormon is the word of God, if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if this is the only true church on the face of the earth today. My prayer was answered with a definitive "yes" through the power of the Holy Ghost. The example of the prophet Joseph Smith, his experience and his testimony have all contributed to my knowledge of Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. This knowledge leads me to be a better father and husband. It has allowed me to be sealed for eternity to my family and has given me an eternal perspective on life.

Sister Ena Haji’s Conversion & Testimony – 05/03/2020

I was always curious about what my purpose was here on earth. I believed there was a ‘God’ and was a practicing Catholic, but that didn’t satisfy my concerns or give me any answers to my ongoing questions. In later years, my life brought me to America to join my husband. This is where I met missionaries through a friend of mine. My questions were finally answered and I had so many! After much prayer and study, I knew that this was the plan our Heavenly Father had for His children here on earth and I wanted to be a part of it. I soon joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was married to my husband at the time, who was a practicing Muslim. We have three sons together and he was not opposed to my conversion. As I became more involved in the Church and it’s teachings, I felt strongly that I wanted the same principles taught to my children. Their father was not in favour of this decision and after some years, it was the main reason for our divorce.

Bringing my children to church each Sunday was quite the struggle as the commute was four hours long by bus there and back. It was challenging to take on the responsibility of keeping three young men righteous in this crazy world but I knew that if I was consistent with my Church attendance, my family would be blessed. I also made sure that my children attended all of their activities, such as their Young Men activities, Seminary and other priesthood meetings as they got older. I was blessed with ward members who were instrumental with helping them get to these important events. I also made sure that there was a strong missionary presence as my children got older because I knew that it would be very important to have good role models as they got older and went through their adolescence.

After almost 39 years of membership, my boys have now grown to be strong and faithful men with families of their own. They are still very much active in the church and all hold callings. My middle son, Rafii is also the Temple recorder at the Preston Temple in the UK. When people say I’ve done well with my boys, I know that I haven’t done it alone. My Heavenly Father was the man in my life along with my loving Saviour, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost as my comforter. There is no way I could have done it without their love, guidance and direction. I know that if we put our trust in them, we will get through this life and be worthy to be with them in the next.

Ena Haji

Thomas David Holton – 11/03/2021

I am grateful that I live in a Stake of Zion; I think, at the present moment, there are few privileges higher than this, for we are known by the name of Christ, and also by the special name He gives to the most faithful of His saints- Zion.

I have been blessed to grow up in a goodly home in a Stake setting. Some of my fondest memories are the Stake Temple trips of my childhood, when faithful people who I am blessed to know as friends, would rise early in the morning, and travel for many hours, sacrificing much to reach the Holy Temple. I never questioned that sacrifice; I knew the Spirit of the Temple, and thus that any sacrifice was worth offering to reach the Temple. Zion is a Temple-attending people, and I am so thankful for those beautiful experiences of my youth.

I now have the wonderful opportunity of serving a Service Mission, with the Stake as my field of service. How choice a chance!

I testify of the living truthfulness of the gospel; it is a plan for all eternity, and cannot be undone.

I testify of Zion, that it is the Pure in Heart, and that a people must be Zion before a place may be reared; and that the purpose of every Stake is to prepare the Saints of the Most High for the Second Coming of the Saviour Jesus Christ.

I testify that Joseph Smith is a true prophet- the Prophet of the Restoration, who reveals Christ in these last days; I testify that Russell M. Nelson is a Prophet of God, and the Lord's anointed to lead His Church at this time.

I testify of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is our example, our leader, our guide. I know He lives! Is there a more joyful thought? He lives, and loves us, and His sacrifice in our behalf is the central act of all existence. It is because of Him that we may be forgiven of our sins, receive the ordinances of the gospel, and walk back to our Father in Heaven to gain Exaltation, and all else in between. I leave my witness with you, adding it to the saints of every age, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thomas Holton Snr – 12 March 2021

After I returned from my mission to England - which was a life changing experience for me - in 1993, I was called to serve as District Clerk. I served under President Kevin Fingleton. Preparation for Stakehood was at the forefront of our minds and hearts as leaders. I remember thinking that the Stakes of Zion I had been a part of as a missionary in England were centres of great priesthood strength and that receiving Stakehood would be such a tremendous boost to our members and missionaries who had served for so many years with so much devotion and who looked forward to the fruit of Stakehood with righteous expectation and joyous anticipation. Sometimes it felt like we might never get there but this discouraging thought was not one the leaders would willingly except so forward we went in hope.

In 1994 Liam Gallagher was called as the President of the Dublin Ireland District. I was called as District Sunday School President. In this capacity I remember attending District council where the mission President at the time, Steven Jensen related the following experience “I was driving and got a call from Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He told me that I might want to pull over. He said he was coming to organise the Dublin Ireland stake on 12 March 1995. The excitement and joy I felt at hearing this announcement was profound. This for me, was an announcement I had been hoping to hear for many years and now it was finally coming to pass.

It was explained that President Hinckley reviewed the membership statistics and then asked Elder M. Russell Ballard in a meeting of the Brethren if Stakehood would be a blessing to the Irish Saints, to which Elder Ballard responded in the affirmative. On hearing this, President Hinckley approved the request. So even though the district at that time did not have the usual numbers associated with Stakehood, we received a great blessing of permission from the Lord’s ordained servants.

I was touched by the spirit and felt honoured to be witnessing this new day. We would now have ordained High Priests, Bishops, and a Patriarch. We would have a Stake Presidency, Bishoprics and a High Council. We would be a Stake of Zion. This was surely a fulfilling of Prophecy. We would be one step closer to having a Temple built on our Emerald Isle as Stakehood was a necessary precondition for that to be a realistic possibility in the future.

As it turned out President Howard W. Hunter, President of the Church, passed away in early 1995, so Elder Faust had to remain in Salt Lake City. President Hinckley was set apart as Prophet on 12 March 1995 – which is the same day we were to receive Stakehood. So, Elder Graham Doxey of the Seventy organised the Dublin Stake on 12 March 1995. Brother Liam Gallagher was called as President, with Charlie Keogh and Tony O’Connor as counsellors.

I have felt greatly blessed by being in a place of belonging, strength, safety, and refuge from the world. The Stake has done many amazing things over the last quarter of a century including sending young men and women on missions to Europe, North America, and Africa, visiting the Temple in numbers and frequency, serving the community in countless ways, leading, teaching, and blessing the lives of numerous members, missionaries and friends who lived, worked, visited, and served here. I rejoice to celebrate a quarter of a century of being a Stake of Zion. We have covered many miles, faced many obstacles, surmounted many challenges, and overcome many hurdles in that time.

It is my sure witness that The Father and Son visited Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove in 1820. This sacred event, some 200 years ago, ushered in the dispensation of the fulness of times. This was Prophecy fulfilled. The heavens were opened, and a flood of revelatory light has burst upon the world. Angels as resurrected beings instructed and empowered the young Prophet, Seer and Revelator in the doctrines, laws, ordinances, and covenants necessary for celestial exaltation. He was given Priesthood authority to act in the name of God. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God – the messages of that wondrous book have been a spiritual lifeline to me numerous times.

Jesus Christ has been revealed anew in glorious splendour. His living reality is beyond dispute for me. I have known of His love, tasted of His goodness and experienced His redeeming power through the Atonement. My faith in Him is built on the solid rock of modern revelation. I know that He is the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh, our one and only Messiah. The true Church and Kingdom of God has been restored to the earth with a destiny to fill the world. It is my personal testimony that President Russell M. Nelson now bears the Prophetic Mantle. I know that the Son of God will someday soon return to this earth as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. On that day, my willing membership of a Stake of Zion will be a shield and a protection to me, and I sincerely desire to be numbered among the Saints who abide the day of His coming. Of these matters, I bear certain and undeniable witness. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thomas is pictured below.

My name is Dan Hull and some of my family lines go back to the first converts that Wilford Woodruff had in Herefordshire including Gadfield Elm.

My wife Martha and I were able to participate in the filming at Gadfield Elm and dress up as if we were our ancestors. It was such a wonderful privilege to stand in for William Green and his daughter Ann Green. They were faithful to the gospel and had studied it before Wilford spoke to them and they recognized the true church when it was described to them.

They immigrated first to Missouri and then Ann and her two children traveled on to Utah where she served until she was 90 years old as a midwife.

When you do events like this filming you learn about the ancestors and their great spirit enters into your life and lifts you up. It isn’t just pride but you feel their presence and their encouragement. We are now connecting to other people who are related to these great ancestors and finding more research is needed to go farther back on the family lines. They are forever diligent in gathering their families in the gospel.

“How grateful I am for the faith of my 3rd great grandmother Ann Green Dutson and her family, who were among the first to accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in Herefordshire in 1840. She was a young widow with two young children, whose husband had been lost at sea. She emigrated to America, was forcibly driven from Nauvoo, Illinois, crossed the plains to settle in the Utah desert (so different from her home in the green hills of Herefordshire) and spent the rest of her life courageously living the truths she had embraced, until her death at age 90.

“This heritage of faith now blesses my family as we continue to strive to live the teachings of the Savior through our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know God was mindful of the United Brethren who were humbly seeking to find a church with the same organization and doctrine as Christ’s original church. The Holy Spirit bore witness to them, as it does to me now, that God is our living Father in Heaven, His son Jesus Christ suffered for our sins, and through His grace and the truths He taught we can be happy in this life and in the life to come. I bear this witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Testimony of Mary Kenny (Dundalk Branch) 15/03/2020

I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in July 1997. I had met the missionaries a couple of months prior to this near my home and they then came and taught me the six discussions. The Church has made a great difference in my life, I genuinely don't know what I would have done with my life or myself if I had not joined the church. I love the members in our small branch here in Dundalk. They are my friends and my brothers and sisters in the Gospel.

I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to go to the Temple over the years and do the work for my ancestors. Just last month I had my parents sealed to one another and myself and a deceased brother were sealed to them also. It was a very special time for me and I'm very happy to have this work done. It means a lot to me to be sealed to my parents. I know that families are eternal and that if I do my best here to follow God and keep His commandments I will live with my family again.

I have 3 children who are adults now and they too are members of the church. I love them all dearly. I have also been blessed in recent years with two precious grandchildren who have brought a lot of joy to me and my family. I pray for my children and grandchildren every day. I hope to live with all my family and my Heavenly Father again in the Celestial Kingdom someday.

This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

I know that the first vision really did take place. It is invaluable to me that it did.

The Lord's Kingdom is on the Earth today. It wasn't before Joseph knelt in the grove of trees.

I can't count all the glorious blessings ongoing restoration has given me, from my understanding of my Saviour's love to the priesthood authority that sealed me to my precious wife for eternity and everything else in between.

I know Christ not only died for me but lives for me. I love Him and am eternally indebted to Him. This is His Kingdom once again established on the Earth, this time, remaining until He returns. This I know and testify of in His name.

I would like to say how grateful I am for the blessings my Heavenly Father has seen fit to bestow upon me throughout my life; for my parents, my siblings, my wife Janice and my kids and grandkids. I'm grateful for the gospel in my life, for the guidance of living prophets and for knowing that this is the true church and Christ is at its head.

I first encountered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in early 1973 and for me, the prospect of changing my religion was a big deal. I had to be sure it was the right thing to do and would not join any church just to please missionaries. Initially, I found the account of the First Vision difficult to accept but I agreed to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it. I did so for about three weeks and one day while I was reading the Book of Mormon a wonderful feeling came over me and I knew with total certainty that the Book of Mormon was the word of God. I had never experienced anything like it before. Because of this experience, I can truly testify that God exists, He answers prayer and the Book of Mormon is indeed Holy Scripture. I express this witness in the name of my Lord and my Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Testimony of Donna Matthews - 13/02/2020

I am very grateful to be a member of the Lord's true church and that I came across the missionaries when I was 19 and dating my now husband, Stephen Mathews. Looking back I think I was having a crisis of faith at that time as I hadn't attended mass regularly. Stephen always went to mass each Sunday and always encouraged me to go. So it was coming up to Lent and I decided I would go to mass every morning before work during the season of Lent. I said a prayer and asked God to help me to go back to Mass.

So that's what I did, every morning during Lent on my way to work I went to 8am mass and it was during this time that Stephen's sister had been contacted by the Elders. She didn't want to take the discussions and his Mum felt sorry for the Elders one night they called to the house. Stephen's Mum May and his brother Brian took a discussion that night and the following week Stephen and I joined them. When I look back I realize the Lord was answering my prayer to Him but I didn't know he would take me to another Church. 27 years later I am still learning every day. I certainly don't know it all. Stephen and I were married in the London Temple in 1997 and have been blessed with two wonderful boys, Aaron and Daniel.

I have served in numerous callings in our small Dundalk Branch. At only weeks as a new member I was called as Sunday School Teacher - I was a complete nervous wreck! How was I going to teach members whom I thought knew it all. But I did it - not alone, only through studying, praying and asking for Heavenly Father's help. I know I wasn't much good at it but I tried my best and I grew to love that calling because I learned so much. I think it was probably my favourite calling. I have served in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society - as President and Counsellor. It was my great privilege to serve as RS Counsellor to one of my YW when she was called as our RS President.

I have a testimony that this is the Lord's true church, that the Book of Mormon is another witness and testimony of Jesus Christ and that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration. I know without a doubt that my Heavenly Father knows each one of us individually and hears and answers our prayers. I'm so grateful to our Saviour, Jesus Christ for his Atonement. I will be learning eternally about the Atonement and never understand it all, but I know his unconditional love for me is incomprehensible at times.

I'm so grateful to have a prophet leading us today. I have a great testimony of the Temple and the work we do there. It is a special place that brings peace and understanding that I find no-where else. I'm grateful that families are forever and that Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness for each and every one of us.

Donna Mathews

Brendan McMahon

I would like to take up bro. John Connolly’s invitation to contribute some words of testimony and remembrance of that momentous occasion, for your forthcoming piece.

It truly was a momentous weekend, a very much longed for and anticipated weekend. The Republic of Ireland was to finally have its first stake of Zion. We thought of many people who had worked tirelessly for the Church and had passed on and were not here to witness this great occasion, others had emigrated to find a better life for themselves and family, but were still in our thoughts and we felt wherever they were, they joined us in spirit on that day.

Sometime earlier, we had heard that Elder James E Faust of the Quorum of the 12 was to come to Dublin to organize the stake, and we were very excited. As it turned out church matters kept him from coming and Elder Graham W Doxey came in his stead, a lovely man. He and some other brethren, including Raymond C Lowry interviewed many priesthood leaders, after which the decision of them as guided by the Holy Spirit was to call Liam Gallagher as Stake President, with Charlie Keogh and Tony O’Connor as his counselors.

What a beautiful experience it was, as, Firstly the Stake Presidency and Bishops were ordained to the office of High Priest, and set apart in their various offices, then the High Council, and the counselors in bishoprics and others. I was so honored to be called onto the High Council and also as counselor to Bishop Joseph Shannon in the Terenure Ward. The Spirit was present throughout and enriched us all.

A never to be forgotten time. I bear testimony in gratitude for this blessing, and the beauty and majesty of the restored gospel. The Lord loves us all and is indeed our light.

Gospel Love,

Brendan

I do have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves me and that he hears and answers my prayers. I know that Jesus Christ lived upon this earth. That he is the Lord and Savior of the Earth. He taught us how to live. He is our perfect example. He died for each one of us. His atoning sacrifice allows each of us the opportunity to return to Him, our Heavenly Father and be together as families for ever. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon was translated and the gospel was restored to the earth.

I am so grateful to have the church and the knowledge of these truths throughout my life. I love our Prophet today, President Nelson, and all the apostles. I especially love their focus as they have asked us to ponder and recognize the Saviors hands in our lives.

I can totally testify that I know that I can see the Saviors arms stretched down always. I have been watched over, protected, loved, accepted, and gently guided. He encourages me and helps

me find the way.

All of these truths have been a great blessing in my life.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I find it difficult to express my testimony of Jesus Christ in words as it is a deep feeling in my heart that I know that he is My Saviour and that he suffer through the atonement and crucifixion he suffer for each of us to open the way for us to return to our Father in Heaven. I know his hand is always there to help us grow and become more like him. He loves each of us no matter our station or situation in life. We have to be the one that grabs hold of his out stretched hand in order to have the full benefit of what he is offering us which is life eternal as a family. I know he loves, cares, feels all our pains, sorrows, our happiness and joy our frustrations and success in what we do. He has shown us the way to live by his example and wants all of us to do and have what he has. He is there to help us to achieve when we do all that we can do but fall short.

I know the Saviour lives, that he has given us scriptures to help us. That he has given us the Book of Mormon to teach us the fullness of the gospel. I know Joseph Smith was and is a prophet and that President Russel M Nelson is our prophet today.

I know that our the Saviour lives.

In His Jesus Christ. Amen.

Paschal Baylon O'Meara - 2020

I joined the Finglas branch in 1983 and I have been there ever since. I have seen lots of growth in the Ward over the years. Now a lot of non-Irish nationals joined the Finglas Ward. I have been lucky to visit the London and Preston temple over the years. I have done work in the temple for my ancestors. Through my faith I was blessed to meet my wife and have got married in the Cebu Temple in the Philippines in 2017. My wife now lives in Dublin with me. I am glad to be still in the Finglas Ward / Dublin Stake celebrating 25 years. I feel living in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made my life more meaningful.

Testimony by Noeleen O’Rourke Dundalk Branch 11/02/2020

I have been a member of Dundalk Branch 18 months. Looking back over the eighteen months and all that has been following has given me such a faith leap. Finding the true Church after 50 years has been so great. After coming from such a dark place. It has been like coming into a great light.

The experience has been the most significant in my whole life. To come from a practicing Catholic of fifty years to know now that I am in the true Church is such a great feeling. To be in a Branch that is small but very welcoming is excellent. To feel part of a family and to be able to see the Spirit so alive. From my first meeting with the missionaries in May 2018 it has been such a fulfilling experience and so important part of my spiritual growth. So grateful for my Saviour and his love for me, so grateful for the Spirit guiding me. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

When I was 14, in the summer of 1965, I was visiting my sister, Sandra, at her home in Rhodesville, Alabama. Her husband’s grandfather was staying there for a few days. He was on the front porch and she asked me to keep him company while she cooked supper.

He talked to me about three heavens and angels talking to men in America in “our day”. After awhile I went in to get some water and told Sandra, “That old man is crazy. He’s talking about three heavens, Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial and angels talking to men in our time.” She said to me, “He’s not crazy. It’s true.” That was my first exposure to ‘Mormonism’. The old man, Mack Keaton, had been baptized decades before. He had baptized his children (her mother–in-law among them) and most of his grandchildren and remained faithful without a “social network” of a branch or ward. He was a good man. I only saw him once more before I was baptized and that was before I met the missionaries. Then I saw him once more after my mission when he was on his deathbed in the hospital.

In February 1968 the missionaries were tracting on our street and Daddy let them in. Daddy, Patricia and I listened to them. That was the old “1st discussion” of the ‘Mr. Brown’ days; also known as “The Uniform Discussions for Investigators”. Of course, we didn’t know that. The 1st then was the apostasy and restoration. Daddy gave them another appointment but when they came neither he nor Pat was there; only me. They taught me about the Book of Mormon and left a copy with lots of questions written down to answer from the book. That was a Tuesday evening. I read the book that night and finished the next. I was a fast reader then with a good memory. I had read the questions and could recognize when I found the answer. But I didn’t write any down. Pat did better. She got the questions Tuesday night when she got home. She worked a late afternoon to midnight shift at a local ice cream stand. She was home during the days and read and she wrote her answers down. The missionaries came back on Friday. I had completed the book. Pat had read over half.

More important than reading the book though was the spiritual feast. The book brought a great spirit to Pat and me. We had a bible study that we sometimes attended (very rarely at that time in our lives) on Wednesday night at the United Pentecostal Church in Sheffield. I read the lesson Wednesday afternoon for that night though because we did have a calendar. It was John Chapter 10. I thought ‘So that is who the ‘other sheep’ were, those people in the Book of Mormon. I knelt and prayed asking God if that was true and if the Book was true, if Joseph Smith was a Prophet. No visions. No bells and whistles. Just a sweet confirmation that it is true, and God and Jesus really did appear to Joseph Smith in 1820 and that this restoration was God’s work. That night I didn’t go but finished reading the Book of Mormon. I was so excited when the missionaries came on Friday.

I had a ‘discussion’ once a week but the week of the last discussion we moved across town. I didn’t see them for weeks. I hadn’t even been to church yet. I don’t know why, because I wasn’t attending any other. Then they found us. I asked daddy for permission to be baptized and he refused. We had a ‘quiet’ battle for a couple of months before Pat finally convinced him (in a soft-hearted moment I guess) to let me be baptized. That was on July 4,, 1968 that he signed the permission slip and I phoned the Elders. I was baptized in the Tennessee River on July 6 and confirmed there on the gravel by the bank. An interesting thing – about 50 or 60 yards away there were a bunch of people swimming 40, 50 maybe more. When we went into the water for the baptism, they all stopped playing or horsing around and were quiet and reverent until the confirmation was done. Those were different times and a different society.

I marvel, even now, at God’s tender mercies to us. Tuesday the missionaries “find” me. The next day I have a reason to read John 10 and the “other sheep” passage resonates in my mind and heart and leads me to pray. I already knew the Book of Mormon was true well before I got to Moroni 10. God has so blessed my life. Pouring out His love and blessings without measure. I have never had cause to “look back”. “I glory in my Jesus for He hath redeemed my soul.” I am washed clean in the blood of the Lamb of God. I love Him and am so grateful to Him for His blessed atonement and for my family.

For over 55 years God has blessed my life, and my family’s life through Christ’s restored church. We are so blessed to know he still speaks to his prophets to help us prepare to return to Him. In all those years I have had sweet experiences that bear witness that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He guides His church through living prophets and apostles. That church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Book of Mormon is trus and was translated only by the gift and power of God by Revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I encourage all to read that book and learn of that prophet and pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is what it claims to be and if Joseph Smith was his chosen prophet to get it to us, along with all the other gift and blessings restored through Joseph Smith.

I have been a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all of my life, 72 years. And my life has been richly blessed because of the sacrifices of my great grandparents who left this beautiful land of England, and cross the prairies and plains of America to settle in Utah. I am so grateful to them. There were the Bowens who left Wales, and the Beeches who left Staffordshire and the Densleys from Somersetshire.

When I near the age of 20, I desired a further witness for myself that the things I had been taught were true. I read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover and prayed as I read. Moroni the last prophet asks us to do so. He promises us that we will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. When I got to third Nephi, and read about our Savior Jesus Christ, coming to visit in the Americas, I knew it was true. It was like I had been there. Perhaps I was permitted to witness it from heaven.

I continued to pray for my own witness of the truthfulness of the church. Sometimes I wondered if the heavens were sealed for me. But I kept at it. A few months later, another witness came to me in a testimony meeting. A girl, my age, bore her testimony, and said my exact feelings. It was a missionary meeting and she said she was unsure of her feelings. She was afraid to tell the people she was meeting that she knew our church was true for fear that she didn’t know. She said that as she prayed, she had heard a voice saying to her, “Oh, my daughter, how can you not bear witness of Me.” My tears flowed freely as I knew the voice was meant for me, too. And like her, I knew that I knew. And since then, I have tried to bear witness of our Father and His son Jesus Christ to all.

-Sister Judy Preston

Alexander Hay's son George Alexander Hay is my husband's father. We're first cousins. He and Jessie Ballantyne [Jessie Hay, the first sister to be baptized in Scotland] worked in Edinburgh for a year before sailing for America on the ship SS Tyrean from Liverpool in September 1841. They were converted to Mormonism in Scotland. They decided to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and went to Nauvoo, Illinois where they helped to build a beautiful city with a population of thousands. Jessie Hay's brothers cut timber for the Nauvoo Temple. Two of Alexander and Jessie Hay's boys were born and died in Nauvoo. Some family stories say Alexander died in Nauvoo. Others say he died in Saint Louis, Missouri as the Saints were gathering at Independence, Missouri to go west. He has a memorial stone by his wife in Bandera, Texas cemetery. He was not buried there. He was buried elsewhere.

When Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were assassinated in Carthage, Missouri, the saints left with Brigham Young the new prophet to go west. Some of the Saints felt Joseph's son should be the new leader. About 250 people left with Lyman Wight to go to Texas. Some of those were part of my family that went with him. They were Minear, Ballantyne, Sutherland, Chipman, Moincar, and others, I do not know if the families were all related by blood or marriage. The colony settled in Austin for a while then moved to Barnett, later they lived in Fredericksburg. It was settled by German colonists.

They had a sawmill where they had settled. They made furniture which they sold in San Antonio, Texas. They lived in our community which they called Zodiac, a few miles from Fredericksburg.

Finally they moved on to Bandera, Texas where the colony built a more permanent settlement. On a trip to San Antonio, Lyman Wight died and was buried at Zodiac. The colony scattered after that. Some went on to Salt Lake City, Utah. Some went back to Missouri. The list of family names I mentioned earlier, most of them remained in Bandera and became prominent citizens there.

I was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in 1947. My daughter was converted about eight years later when she was 15 years old. My husband was converted in 1985. His father never attended church but always lived by Mormon standards and also raised his son the same way.

I attended family gatherings with the Minear, Hay, and Sutherland family reunions where I collected this information that I now share with you. I hope some of this information is of use to the members of the church and the Paisley Scotland Stake. The families that moved to Bandera County, Texas, cleared land, built homes, fenced land, and did all they could to bring culture and refinement to the frontier land. They raised useful good men and women to continue their names after them, and should be revered and remembered. They were not rich, not famous, but sturdy stock that helped to make this nation great.

Bandera County, Texas, is proud of their heritage. Bandera is the Spanish word for flag. It was given this name because of a treaty flag between the Indians and the citizens of the little settlement. A flag was planted in Mountain Pass with the promise of peace on both sides. Later a battle took place between the Texas Rangers and Indians. Today Bandera is a small town of about 3,000 people. It was surveyed in about 1852, the Lyman Wight Group arriving in 1854. It may be worth noting the waters of Medina Lake which is now a beauty spot near to San Antonio. A dam was built in 1920 that now covers where the Lyman Wight group made a settlement called Mountain View, and also known as Mormon's camp, built when they first arrived.

George Hay he was born at Erskine, Renfrewshire, Scotland, March 17, 1836, the son of Alexander and Jessie Hay. With his parents, he sailed for America from Liverpool. George would become a judge for 10 years in Hondo, Texas but with the move back to his roots and former home at Bandera, he also served with the Texas Rangers. Judge Hay is spending his declining years at the old family homestead in Bander a, where for many years he and his good wife kept open house to the traveling public, and entertained many distinguished visitors under their hospitable roof.

My name is Charlotte Tiernan. I joined the church September 18th 1971 in Terenure Dublin. The first time I heard about the church was while walking past the Bank of Ireland in O’Connell Street Dublin. Some missionaries had set up what was then called street boards outside the bank. They stopped me and spoke about a church they were building in Terenure. I lived in the Crumlin area which was not so far away. They probably told me more but this is what stuck in my mind. Being a catholic at the time I thought what kind of people are these. Not long after that meeting while sitting in my front garden at my home 2 missionaries who were tracting my area asked if they could speak to me about God. I loved talking about God.

As I listened to them speak about Joseph Smith and the first vision I felt that I already knew this story although I never heard it before. As they told me more about the gospel I felt as I know now that the spirit was testifying to me of the truthfulness of what I was hearing. My first contact with the church was a fireside at Bro/Sis Bob and Maureen Lynn. They were an instrument in bringing me into the church. Their love and hospitality to me was amazing. Pure love. My first sacrament meeting was in an old house where the terenure church stands now. There were very few people there but the singing was great. Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel was the first hymn also God Moves in a Mysterious Way. I loved the music because I love singing.

I found the Book of Mormon hard to read. Eventually I prayed about the truthfulness of the book and got my answer that the book was indeed true and although it was not a big spiritual experience for me it was an answer to my prayers which I cannot deny. Because I was underage my mother had to give me permission to be baptised this did not happen for a couple of months as she was scared I was joining a cult. At this time the catholic church was preaching against the church in Ireland and people were scared. I was baptised by Elder Booher and confirmed by Elder Raymond Sego.

My life in the church was not easy due to family circumstances but that is another story. I have grown so much as a person and have been greatly blessed. Had many trials and heartache but know that my Heavenly Father walked beside me throughout. I love the gospel with all my heart. I love and know my Saviour Jesus Christ. I am truly grateful for His atonement and the gift of repentance, I have had to use it many times but through it I felt His love for me. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet and I know that we have a wonderful Prophet today in President Russell M Nelson what a beautiful person he is.

Today I am sealed to Joe my eternal companion since 9/3/1993 in the London Temple. I have 3 children, well adults now. Lisa, Edward and Robert. My daughter Lisa is also a member married to Robert Quinton in the Seattle Temple with 4 children living in North Carolina. In April we started to serve a service mission in the Preston Temple for 18 months. We serve wherever we can in the gospel.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the true church on the earth today. I thank My Heavenly Father for allowing me to have the blessing of the gospel in my life. My life has been blessed by wonderful people along the way. People have been put in my path to help me and my family through many dark times. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. I know God lives. I know Jesus Christ is my Saviour. I know Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. I know Pres Nelson is our prophet today who leads the church. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I joined the church in 1963. At this time in Scotland, there was a lot of persecution against the church. This took the form of newspaper articles and religious leaders preaching from the pulpit. This was in the hope their members would stay away from the church and the missionaries. But not me. I felt drawn to find out for myself if this was the church for me. I always had the love for my Saviour and was a regular Bible reader. I also attended my local church each week. But I felt something was just not right. When I found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I just knew this is what I was looking for. I gained for myself the knowledge of this great truth and how the Book of Mormon has them all for everyone to read. If you read with a sincere heart you will find the truth of all things. I also believe that music is a powerful force.

To hear good church music has inspired me and uplifted me in times of sadness. Music can be such a strong force for good. I have enjoyed music at many special occasions that I have attended, conferences, dedications, and especially Primary and youth presentations.

I always make a point of reading the book of Mormon and listening to good music. This has helped to strengthen my testimony over the past 57 years in the church. I am grateful for the wonderful life I have had and I would like to share my happiness and testimony with you.

I first read the Book of Mormon when I was 15 years old.

As I read, often tears would well up in my eyes and on occasion roll down my cheek as the powerful messages touched my heart. The whole experience of reading the Book of Mormon, I felt like an observer, watching the different attitudes and outcomes that occurred whilst listening intently to the real message which the prophets attempted to share. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me that this book was of God and when I had finished reading it, I was in no doubt that Joseph Smith had translated a record of a fallen people who had learned of, and forgotten, God and his plan of redemption for them. I have read the Book of Mormon many times since then and still find it to be inspiring and am grateful for its invitation to 'Come unto Christ'