A special ceremony was held on Sunday 28th September at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as members celebrated 40 years since the dedication of the chapel in Helston, Cornwall with four local mayors in attendance.
The membership and friends enjoyed the service, with special invited guests Councillor Mike Thomas, Mayor of Helston, Councillor David Nebesnuick, Mayor of Penzance, Councillor Gillian Grant, Mayoress of Penryn and Councillor Daniel Williams, Mayor of Porthleven.
Several hundred members live in Cornwall, worshiping every Sunday, and throughout the week, gathering in chapels in Helston and Redruth. The building, located on Clodgey Lane, was built in 1974 with funds collected by the members. The construction was overseen by an appointed building supervisor but members of the congregation donated labour hours whenever they could. Many worked throughout the night on the construction and returned to their daily employment without rest!
Many recall the service that they gave during the construction. John Hunt of Falmouth, who was part of the build, recalls digging a trench at night “and the only illumination we had was a tilly lamp hanging from a garden fork stuck on the side of the trench.” Elizabeth Bray of Helston fondly remembered planting, tending, and harvesting potato and strawberry crops to help fund the construction.