The Church in India

12,257  Total Church Membership

2  Missions

43  Congregations

6  Family History Centers

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Unofficially, proselyting work began in 1850 by British sailors who visited Calcutta, India. They were followed in 1851 by Elder Joseph Richards, who had baptized several people in Calcutta and then set them apart as missionaries. A small branch (a small congregation) was established, but was depleted by emigration. However, additional missionaries arrived and baptized a few more people, and a small meetinghouse was built.

In 1853, additional missionaries took the gospel message to Madras, Bombay, Rangoon, Karachi, Poona, and other areas, and several small branches were established. However, when these missionaries returned to Utah in 1858, some of the converts also emigrated. 

Although other missionaries and conversions followed, the missionaries were not successful in learning the native languages and the India Mission was not considered a successful one. At least one branch existed through 1903.

Other missionary efforts were initiated in subsequent years with some success. In 1981, government regulations allowed a missionary couple to establish a branch. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ was translated into Telugu in 1981.

In 1993, a mission was created in Bangalore with Gucharan Singh Gill, a native of India, presiding over it. At that time there were 1,150 members in 13 branches, which increased to 2,000 members in 18 branches five years later.

The first meetinghouse in India was dedicated on 2 February 2002, housing the Rajahmundry Branch.

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As part of being good neighbors and having common understanding, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Whitefield, Bangalore, India opened their doors for a tour of the church building by local school children. Each day 100 children from a prestigious educational institute, located behind the meetinghouse, accompanied by 10 teachers, toured the meetinghouse during five days in August. A total of 500 children came. The local members of the church were happy to have the children visit.

The tour began in the chapel where an explanation was given of the room. Two short three-minute videos were shown. One video was a true story about Heber J. Grant. When Heber was a young boy, his mother stitched a new coat to wear to protect him from the cold weather. One day while he was walking down the street, he saw a boy who was trying to warm himself by a fire on the side of the road. He was without a coat and very, very cold. Heber removed his coat which had been lovingly stitched by his mother, and gave it to the boy. He returned home to his mother who did not scold him but was glad Heber wanted to share with another. Through the video, the school children were taught the principle of sharing with those in need.

The second video was by Russell M. Nelson who spoke about our body being a “Temple of God”. The children were taught to keep their bodies clean and appreciate the beauty of the creation.

President Abel, the leader of the local congregation, was pleased to have the neighbor children visit the church building. He said “We wanted to build good relations with our neighbors. We wanted them to know what the Church offers to all people.”  The children were told of some of the programs that are offered to youth and families such as Family History. They were given a pedigree chart to show their parents. Also given were the Strength of the Youth booklets and information about the Self-Reliance program. Duty to God, Personal Progress and Faith in God were programs that were also explained. It was a full tour and the children enjoyed it. Each teacher who accompanied the children was given a copy of the Book of Mormon.

President Abel said “We hope some parent may need our assistance and when they come, we will be ready to extend a hand of fellowship to make their life easy.”

Nearly 50 volunteers from the Hyderabad Stake (large congregation) joined together to donate goods and services to Rainbow Homes at Musheerabad.  They donned yellow Mormon Helping Hands vests and cleaned up debris, painted walls and donated food supplies for the children. 

Rainbow Homes helps girl children deserted on streets who are prone to high risk of physical and sexual abuse. This organization secures the basic rights of the girls through education and support. Currently, there are about 118 young girls rescued and supported at Musheerabad.President John Gutty, joined by Manohar Mekala from the Hyderabad Stake Presidency, commented "The church provides community service where it is needed. We will continue to identify such places to offer support and help." 

Ms. Ambika , the founder of Aman Vedika Rainbow Homes , thanked the LDS volunteers for their efforts and service rendered. She said, "I expect the presence of Latter-day Saints often for such wonderful community services for Rainbow Homes in future."

Speaking at the event, The Hon.Finance and Civil Supplies Minister of Telangana State Sri. EATALA RAJENDER, MLA of Musheerabad  Dr. K.LAXMAN RAO (BJP Floor Leader of Telanaga State) and TRS State Secretary Sri. GOLLURI ANJAIAH, all appreciated the efforts made by the Church in providing humanitarian aid and welfare services. 

                                             Whitefield Chapel, Bangalore India