In a city known primarily for its crystal, one thing is clear when it comes to Latter-day Saints here: Their enthusiasm and commitment belie their relative short tenure as members of the Church and the host of challenges many of them face.

Take the presidency of the Waterford Branch for example, all of whom were baptized in 1994. Pres. Michael Wall, 24, is a single man and the only Church member in his family, having been baptized May 15 of last year. His first counselor is 21-year-old Jason Collopy, a member of 18 months who will soon depart on a mission. William "Billy" Power, 51, also was baptized just 18 months ago.Yet the three provide strong leadership to the branch, which meets in a rented duplex and has an average Sunday attendance of about 20 people.

That figure swelled to more than 30 on Fast Sunday, Sept. 3, when relatives of a branch family visited to bless their baby. In a unit with a Primary enrollment of one child, this was the first baby blessing in 12 years.

"Tremendous things have been happening here in the past year," said Cork Ireland District Pres. Joseph Peters, who visited the branch Sept. 3. "When you consider that the branch presidency were not members of the Church 18 months ago and are now leading the branch, that's remarkable. Two of them have been to the temple, and the third is planning on a mission. It's just the beginning here, and the work is going to go forward."

Pres. Peters resides in Cork, about 70 miles southwest of Waterford. He or one of his counselors visit the branch regularly to provide training and support. Besides the Waterford Branch, the Cork district includes six other units and has a membership of about 460.

Though the majority of Waterford members are either single or the only members in their respective families, one or two larger families have helped form the nucleus of the branch for several years.

One such family is that of William and Mary Ryan. Brother Ryan works in the electrical supply business and served as branch president from 1976-88 and frequently in other leadership positions. Sister Ryan currently teaches the Young Women.

"This is the strongest the branch has been for quite a time," said Brother Ryan. "We have a good district here and get lots of visits from the district presidency."

He explained that missionary work in the area has provided steady though not spectacular growth, but many members have left for the United States, other parts of Ireland and elsewhere. When asked how he and his family have remained strong and active through the years despite relative isolation from other members, he responded: "The Church is true, and we have testimonies. It doesn't matter where you are, Zion is where you live."

Brother Ryan noted that living in a small branch has provided many opportunities for his family to serve. Daughter Martina, 19, is branch chorister and teaches Primary. Sons Derek, 17, and Kieran, 12, form the backbone of the branch's Aaronic Priesthood. "Derek has always been the first Primary child, the first deacon and has broken new ground for other youth to follow. Martina was branch Primary president at age 15, which was a great experience for her. Kieran also has had many nice opportunities."

An unusual opportunity was afforded Derek several years ago to prepare a talk for the Churchwide priesthood commemoration fireside. His talk was videotaped in Ireland and broadcast via satellite along with talks from two other Aaronic Priesthood holders as part of the program that emanated from the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. That link with priesthood holders worldwide was a great thrill for the Ryans and other members in Waterford.

Probably because of being somewhat isolated, members here feel a close kinship with each other.

"It's great being in a small branch because you get to know everyone really well," said Martina. "It's like a big extended family."

That feeling of "family" with its accompanying concern is evidenced at branch meetings by many verbal expressions of love and support, hands quick to assist with someone else's fussing child and in other ways. A primary topic at meetings and in testimonies Sept. 3 was the visit of President Gordon B. Hinckley to Ireland two nights earlier. While some branch members were able to make the three-hour trip to Dublin for a Friday night fireside with the prophet (see Sept. 9 Church News), others were unable to attend. The Ryan family was fortunate to be there.

Sister Ryan wrote down President Hinckley's remarks in shorthand and shared them with branch members who were unable to go.

Pres. Wall talked about the sustaining influence of the Spirit upon President Hinckley, as evidenced during his visit, and about his own reliance upon the Lord as a young branch president who is new in the Church.

He explained that he had been stopped by two missionaries street contacting in Waterford, and within 12 days was baptized.

"The past year has been a huge change for me, to go from having little belief and some doubt as to the existence of Diety, to having an assured conviction that He lives and that this is His Church."

Pres. Wall told about wrestling with significant decisions prior to his current calling.

"I had considered immigration, a mission and other things and determined it was time to fast and call on the Lord for direction. I decided to fast on a Friday and see if I could get an answer. I woke up Saturday morning full of the Spirit. Later that afternoon, the district president called and wanted to speak with me. He interviewed me and called me as branch president. It was a direct and unexpected answer to fasting and prayer. I've certainly felt the strength that the Spirit brings, and the last year has been incredible."

Challenges faced by converts such as Pres. Wall, his counselors and others in this and other parts of lush, green Ireland are formidable. They include a culture steeped in the predominant religion and in the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and a society plagued by high unemployment that leaves many with idle time. There are also strong family pressures brought to bear when someone wants to join the Church, and extensive travel and sacrifice to participate in the meetings and programs of the Church.

Nevertheless, many overcome these and other challenges and serve faithfully and well, according to Pres. Wall and the full-time missionaries assigned to Waterford.

"These are really, really good people," said Elder Jerry Ohman, who with his wife, Sister Marie Ohman, serve as leadership missionaries living in the duplex where the branch meets. Elder and Sister Ohman, whose mission is just concluding, serve in Waterford with two sister missionaries. Elder Ohman has conducted a public service program that has helped many people within and without the Church stop smoking. "The work is a challenge due to the high unemployment, which leads to people hanging out and to abuses of alcohol and tobacco. It feels so good when you can help people, when you see them growing in the gospel and overcoming their challenges."

"This is a great experience, you really get to love the people," added Sister Ohman."They know the Church is true, and many of them have real strong testimonies. Most everyone in the branch walks to Church or rides bicycles, some traveling several miles. Brother Power rides his bike several miles each way, serving not only as a counselor in the branch presidency but also as branch mission leader. He comes here several times a week to fulfill his responsibilities and to attend institute and other activities. He rides his bike to visit his home teaching families in between. We love these good people."