A sense of reverence and joy filled Avenue des Arts, within the view of the royal palace in Brussels, as dignitaries, media representatives and local members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered to mark the groundbreaking of the Brussels Belgium Temple, the first House of the Lord built by the Church in the country.
Elder Jack N. Gerard, First Counselor of the Europe Central Area of the Church presided over the ceremony. He was accompanied by his wife Sister Claudette Gerard. The special event was conducted by Stefaan Van Gijsel. In the dedicatory prayer of the site, Elder Gerard mentioned that “Brussels is a city where many of thy children from various lands come together in union to find peace, prosperity, and understanding in this world.”
Elder Gerard continued, “today, Father, we dedicate this site for a higher purpose. We ask thee to bless it as a place where thy children, regardless of their culture or language, will find union with thee through the sacred ordinances of the temple. Bless it as a place of higher purpose based on our divine identity as thy spirit children.”
Unlike traditional temple sites surrounded by open grounds, this sacred building will be constructed within an existing multistory structure, the first temple in Europe to do so. The project will include a 2,300 square meters temple, a meetinghouse where Sunday worship services will be held, and arrival facilities to welcome those who come to visit and worship in the temple.
The ceremony was broadcast in five languages, allowing members across Belgium and neighboring countries to participate virtually. The work of construction is planned to start in the beginning of 2026.
A Place of Peace and Purpose
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are more than places of worship, they are considered houses of the Lord, places set apart for followers of Jesus Christ to draw closer to Him. In these sacred spaces, individuals and families learn about God’s plan for His children, make promises to live Christlike lives, and perform sacred ordinances that unite families eternally.
Temples differ from regular meetinghouses or chapels, which are open to the public each Sunday for worship services, service activities, and community events. Temples, on the other hand, are reserved for specific religious ceremonies focused on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ and deepening spiritual understanding.
Introducing the House of the Lord in Belgium to the diplomatic corps
The importance of building a House of the Lord in Brussels was also shared in a special event held earlier in the week. The purpose of the temple was shared with several representatives of the diplomatic corps in Brussels and with other civic leaders and guests. An exhibition explaining the role of the temples and how families can be united forever was also part of the event.
A Historic Moment for Belgium
The announcement of the Brussels Belgium Temple was first made in April 2021 by President Russell M. Nelson, worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Temples are a vital part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness,” President Nelson said. “Ordinances of the temple fill our lives with [God’s] power and strength available in no other way. We thank God for those blessings.”
The Church’s presence in Belgium dates back to the 1880s, when early missionaries introduced the faith in the region. Today, nearly 7,000 members worship in 12 congregations throughout the country. The Brussels Temple will serve not only local members but also believers from nearby nations who wish to attend.
When completed, the Brussels Belgium Temple will become one of more than 360 temples worldwide, joining a growing network of sacred buildings that point millions toward Jesus Christ.