Church breaks ground on first temple in Belgium

Construction has begun on the Brussels Belgium Temple, marking the first time The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have a temple in Belgium. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Avenue des Arts in Brussels, near the royal palace, with dignitaries, media representatives, and local church members in attendance.

Elder Jack N. Gerard, First Counselor of the Europe Central Area of the Church, presided over the event alongside his wife Claudette. Stefaan Van Gijsel conducted the ceremony. In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Gerard said, “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.”

He continued by stating: “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.”

The Brussels Belgium Temple will be unique among European temples because it will be built within an existing multistory structure rather than being surrounded by open grounds. The project includes a 2,300 square meter temple area, a meetinghouse for Sunday worship services, and arrival facilities for visitors.

The groundbreaking ceremony was broadcast in five languages to allow participation from church members across Belgium and neighboring countries. Construction is scheduled to begin at the start of 2026.

Temples hold special significance for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as places set apart for sacred religious ceremonies and learning about God’s plan for families. While regular meetinghouses are open to public worship services and community events each Sunday, temples are reserved for specific ordinances intended to strengthen faith and spiritual understanding.

Earlier in the week before the groundbreaking event, church leaders introduced the purpose and role of temples during a special gathering with diplomatic corps representatives and civic leaders in Brussels. An exhibition explained how temples aim to unite families forever.

President Russell M. Nelson first announced plans for the Brussels Belgium Temple in April 2021. He stated: “Temples are a vital part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness,” adding that “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 missionaries first arrived in the region. Today there are nearly 7,000 members organized into 12 congregations throughout Belgium. Once completed, this temple will serve not only local members but also believers from nearby countries who wish to attend.

Upon completion, it will join more than 360 temples worldwide operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.