A new monument has been dedicated in the picturesque village of Downham in Lancashire, England, recognising the village’s historic significance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and commemorating the personal ministry of President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to the British Isles.
Local Church leaders, members and guests from across the United Kingdom and the United States gathered to mark the occasion.
Nestled in the Ribble Valley near Preston, Downham and its surrounding area were the setting for remarkable early missionary success in England. During his first mission to Great Britain in 1837, Elder Heber C. Kimball recorded profound spiritual experiences in and around Downham. Many of these early converts played a pivotal role in the Church’s establishment and growth, both in the British Isles and later in North America, where thousands emigrated and helped build the Church in the 19th century.
The monument, titled the “Elder Holland Sycamore Tree,” stands near a tree under which President Holland regularly sought prayerful guidance during his service as an Area President of the Church from 1990 to 1993. The site holds personal significance for President Holland, who also served as a young missionary in England and has frequently spoken of his deep love for the people and land.
Conceived and developed by local leaders, the monument was made possible through the support of the Ensign Peak Foundation. It features a plaque mounted on a stone recovered from a 19th-century railway bridge. The site also includes a commemorative oak tree planted in 2022 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The Honourable Ralph Assheton son and heir of the Lord Clitheroe, graciously consented to the placement of the monument on his property.
During the ceremony, President Michael Gratton of the Chorley England Stake offered the dedicatory prayer. A letter solicited from President Holland was read aloud. It expressed his gratitude and shared reflections on the sacredness of the area.
President Michael Gratton, said:
“Downham is a place where the Spirit has long been felt. This monument not only honours President Holland’s personal connection to this sacred land, but also stands as a reminder of the faith and devotion of early Saints who embraced the gospel here. It’s a privilege to gather in a place so rich in spiritual heritage and to reflect on the enduring legacy of discipleship that continues to inspire us today.”
This dedication follows a tradition in the United Kingdom of commemorating significant events through the planting or preservation of trees. Similar examples include the “David O. McKay Oak” on the grounds of the London England Temple, commemorating President David O. McKay, who served as the ninth president of the Church.
The “Holland Sycamore Tree” stands as a symbol of spiritual heritage and enduring faith, honouring both the early pioneers of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in Great Britain and the lasting impact of President Holland’s ministry.
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