| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
On Saturday, 26 May, 2018, approximately 200 current and past members and friends of the Gympie Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered to commemorate the opening of their first chapel (church building) in Gympie, Queensland. It was on 13 May 1978, 40 years ago, that the Gympie Chapel first began being used by Church members in the local area. The building, located at 28 Sorenson Road in Gympie, has been used ever since, with two separate additions being added to the building since it opened.
Former Gympie Mayor, Mick Vernadis, who was present at the original ground breaking for this chapel in October 1977 and the official building opening the 13 May 1978, attended with his wife and spoke of how the Church benefits the Gympie community.
Rich Tramacchi, second generation of a four generation family in Gympie said, "It was great to see Mick Venardos and his wife Tina there. They attended our original dedication service and also again after extensions in 1986 where Mr Venardos spoke at our Sunday service. They have truly been friends of the church."
Fifteen local leaders have served the community since the Church was formally established in Gympie in 1967. Six of the eight surviving leaders (called Bishops or Branch Presidents) were present. These past leaders were honored by being asked to cut the cake.
The 40th Anniversary event also included a display of the history of the Church in the Gympie area, movie clips, guest book signing, short speeches and time for old friends and families to catch up. Guests travelled from across Queensland to attend this memorable event.