Open House and Community Celebration Mark Dedication of Place of Worship

Councillor Mia Shaw, Mayor of Wyndham City and other community leaders were among the first to tour the new chapel of the Wyndham Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at an open house held 9 March 2019.

Mayor Shaw said of her experience, “This is a welcoming place where people can come together, celebrate and provide relief. The open day gives the community a chance to come and see.”

Wyndham Stake President, Emmanuel E. Richards shared, “Today shows that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to know of their love for all people.”

This is the second chapel built on the Weribbee site, accommodating growing congregations from the Surf Coast through the Bellarine Peninsula to Laverton and west to Ballan.

Karen Sekold, Wyndham community librarian said, “I’m very impressed – not just with the building but in learning about your church and what it does. It’s not just a religion, it’s a community.”

Though the outward beauty of the chapel is significant, members strive to live their beliefs by contributing positively to the Wyndham community.

In the cultural hall, youth ages 12 to 18 packed ‘love bags’ containing non-perishable food items to help feed families in need. They call this project #DinnerOnUs and hope families receiving these will pay it forward to others in need.

Lawrence Gray of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre observed the energy of the young people and leaders and said, “This is very encouraging. What a great strength to the community.”

Local members of the Relief Society, the world’s largest women’s organization, collected toiletry items which they packed during the open house to donate to Safe Steps, an organization assisting families affected by domestic violence.

The tour included the new building’s Family History Centre, where individuals can learn more about their family roots and is free to the public.

Open house guests also viewed the Church’s children’s organization in action and learned about the religious education programs geared to support youth and young adults.

“This spiritual education can help the young generation learn moral actions and behavior that are important for mutual understanding,” commented Farhang Afshar of the Ba’hai faith and Chairman of Geelong Interfaith.

A church choir provided sacred music in the chapel during the tour.

Yvette Barnes, Director of Public Affairs for the Wyndham stake and organizer of the event expressed appreciation for those involved and those who came.

“Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your contributions which are many, have been immeasurable.”

A community cultural celebration took place at the site a week later and the chapel was dedicated 17 March, 2019 by President Richards. 

Elder Daniel G. Hamilton, Area Seventy, who presided at the dedication declared, "This building is also for those who are not members of our Church. This is their Church too and we invite them to come."