The first Latter-day Saint branch in Belize was organized in 1980. Today, Church members worship in several branches throughout the small country, and the service they have rendered to their community has been recognized by local leaders.
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History of the Church in Belize
On May 11, 1980, Samuel Flores, president of the Honduras Tegucigalpa Mission, met with five young missionaries in a hotel room in Belize City. After holding a short sacrament service, President Flores organized the Belize City Branch, calling Elder Merlin Mikkelson to serve as the first branch president. The missionaries quickly went to work preaching throughout Belize City. On June 1, Ernesto Alay, the first local convert, was baptized. Others followed soon after. By the end of 1980, branches had been organized in Belize City, Corozal, Orange Walk, Dangriga, and San Ignacio. A district was organized in Belize City in April 1983, and meetinghouses were completed in Orange Walk and San Ignacio in 1987.
Latter-day Saints in Belize have served their communities, preached the gospel, and shared their love with others in need. In April 1991, the young women from the Belize City Branch received special recognition from the mayor of Belize City for their participation in an Earth Day project. In May 2003, members throughout the country contributed enough books and educational materials to fill two 40-foot containers, which were donated to the Ministry of Education in Belize.
Although the Church has only been established for a short time in Belize, the local Saints are strong and faithful. In Belize, “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few” (Luke 10:2). With such a small group, many have been called upon multiple times to lead.