The special role of the only French-speaking ward in the United States

What began as a desire to help one person feel included has grown into a congregation where more than 150 French-speaking Latter-day Saints worship in Lehi, Utah

Published: June 14, 2026, 3:33 p.m. MDT

Members of the Lehi 35th Ward (French) in the Lehi Utah Central Stake pose for a photo outside the meeting house after a baby blessing on May 3, 2026, in Lehi, Utah. Provided by Jaron Mutombo

When Patrick and Anne-Marie Gérard moved to Utah from Versailles, France, in 2021, Sunday worship became difficult.

Patrick Gérard spoke some English from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States. Anne-Marie Gérard’s only other language was Italian.

“The first year was kind of tough,” Patrick Gérard said. “I was praying to Heavenly Father. I said, ‘What can I do to help my wife be part of the discussion?’”

That prayer would eventually lead to the creation of what is now the only French-speaking Latter-day Saint ward in the United States.

View Comments

To read the full story, visit TheChurchNews.com.

Looking for comments?

Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.