Calgary is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city representative of the Canadian melting pot spoken of by President Hinckley.

Host of the 1988 Winter Olympics, the community of 650,000 is home to about 14,000 Latter-day Saints in four stakes. Its ethnic population continues to grow as it experiences an influx of emigrants, primarily from Asia and Europe. Those groups combine with a native Indian population of 10,000 to give Calgary a rich and diverse cultural identity.Besides the native population, figures recently released by business leaders indicate that Calgary is home to 12,000 Filipinos; 40,000 Spanish-speaking residents, most from Latin America and Central America; 65,000 Chinese; 10,000 Vietnamese; and 5,000 to 10,000 Cambodians. Other ethnic groups also are represented.

Among those finding their way to Calgary are a fair share of Latter-day Saints, though Church growth in the area - through both new converts and member move-ins - is described as slow to moderate by local leaders. However, the Church in Calgary and throughout southern Alberta received much favorable attention earlier this year during the Alberta Temple open house and rededication in Cardston, about 110 miles to the south. Many long-time, non-member residents of the region had expressed interest in the temple for years, but, of course, had not been able to go inside. The open house provided that opportunity, which was taken by more than 100,000 people during nine days.

"The work here is progressing, and there has been a steady rising trend during the past three years," said President Thomas Young Jr., who was succeeded in July by Jack S. Lake as president of the Canada Calgary Mission. "The missionaries have been conscientious and have worked very hard. They, working with local members and stake missionaries, have recognized considerable success."

One European member family who recently discovered Calgary is that of Waldemar (Walter) and Stanislawa (Stella) Wojcieszek, who, with their 13-year-old daughter Anna and 22-year-old nephew, Leszek (Les) Stachyra, moved from Poland to Greece three years ago, then to Montreal and Calgary within the past year.

The family joined the Church in Poland in 1985, after missionaries introduced themselves by knocking on their door to borrow a hammer and screwdriver.

They stayed in Greece before determining that Canada would provide opportunities they sought to improve their circumstances and continue to grow in the gospel.

"If you can't speak French in Montreal, it is difficult," explained Sister Wojcieszek. After consulting with priesthood leaders there, the Wojcieszeks determined that Calgary would provide an environment more suitable to learning English and adjusting to life in North America. They moved in June, and settled in with the assistance of local leaders. The parents and Les have found jobs through LDS Employment Services. A local Church member contacted employment services area manager Denise Norton with a job referral, which turned out to be something the Wojcieszeks could do well.

"There are a lot of special persons in the Church," said Brother Wojcieszek, in his halting English. Then, speaking further of his feelings for the gospel, he bore his testimony:

"I know the Church is the true Church. I have a strong testimony about that. I know that the Book of Mormon is a very, very special book for us. I also know that President Benson is a true prophet. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, too."

Like the Wojcieszeks, Church members of all backgrounds tend to blend nicely into the fabric of the community, according to Elder Phillip G. Redd, Church Educational System area director who serves as regional representative for the Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon regions.

The LDS Institute at the University of Canada has an enrollment of about 300 people. There are an estimated 450 LDS students at the school, which has a total enrollment of 20,000.

Elder Redd said the general perception of the Church among non-members is positive, though there's not an inordinate amount of interest "as far as conversion is concerned." But he said there is general respect, and no significant problems with ridicule of beliefs or practices.

"I would guess that the temple experience has opened some new questions and perceptions," Elder Redd mused. "That is probably the most significant thing that has happened in decades as far as increasing understanding and awareness of the Church. There's a positive impact there that only time will tell."

A native of the LDS settlement of Raymond, he reflected on the impact of the 1988 Olympics on Church members and missionary work.

"There were about 500 LDS volunteers who helped with the games, among the total volunteer force of 15,000. In my assessment, the Olympics was a boost to the community and pulled people together, but it had little real effect on things from a spiritual point of view. I can't assess any particular conversion or Church aspect that went with the Olympic experience. We would be hard-pressed to say it really made an impact as far as the Church was concerned."