Sir Gerald Howarth MP joined Rushmoor Deputy Mayor Clr Martin Tennant and former Rushmoor Mayor, Clr Peter Crerar, at this year’s annual Farnborough congregation’s conference. The congregation also includes two members involved in local government: Rushmoor Councillor Barbara Donaghue and UKIP candidate Bill Walker who were pleased to see local officials taking an interest in the Church.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Local Church leaders gave the visitors a special introductory presentation about the Church and its programmes. They shared that they felt impressed by how the youth develop gospel knowledge and social skills at church, supplemented by a weeknight activity and early morning seminary.
They also appreciated the principles of service behind the women’s organisation, Relief Society’s, reach out project, Helping Hands projects, and the Church’s expertise in family history. As a Member of Parliament and also a warden for the Church of England, Sir Gerald shared his concern that family values and Christian worship are on the decline in the UK. He noted the Church is bucking that trend.
The visiting dignitaries listened to talks on the importance of spiritual and temporal self- reliance. They also heard the members’ excitement when it was revealed the congregation has been approved to build a meetinghouse, after nearly two decades of holding services in a school hall.
It was the first visit to the congregation in Farnborough by Rushmoor borough Deputy Mayor, Clr Martin Tennant. “There are misconceptions about your faith,” he said. “I always like to go and see for myself. What I see is commendable."