Plaque posted to remember dedication of East Germany
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DRESDEN, Germany — Twenty-four years after President Thomas S.
Monson stood in the Loessnitz mountains in former East Germany to dedicate
and re-dedicate the land for the preaching of the gospel, current and past
priesthood leaders gathered recently to remember that event with the
posting of a commemorative plaque.
Following a testimony meeting in the Dresden Ward meetinghouse where President Monson's visits from years ago were fondly remembered, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Seventy, who was serving as president of the Europe West Area, led a group of members to a picturesque area between Dresden and Meissen overlooking the Elbe River. It was there that President Monson offered the prayer on April 27, 1975.
The city of Dresden was very agreeable with the proposal to hang a plaque, said Elder Uchtdorf, explaining that permission was quickly granted.
Unknown to members of the Church at the time were plans by the city to improve the area by creating a lookout over the Elbe River and clearing the pathway.
Among those who were there to post the plaque were the presidents of the Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig stakes, as well as the bishop of the Dresden Ward and a few other members.
The history of the Church in East Germany following the end of World War II is a legacy of devout members quietly living their faith. The Church continued to exist in the former German Democratic Republic after communist rule was imposed. Members maintained contact with Church leaders, such as President Monson and other leaders, who bolstered the spirits of the members through occasional visits when permitted.
Members renewed their faith following the dedicatory prayer. Since that day in 1975, all worthy members have been able to receive patriarchal blessings. In 1982, the first stake in GDR was organized, in Freiberg. A second was organized in 1984, in Leipzig. In 1985, the Freiberg Temple was constructed 10 miles outside Berlin behind the Iron Curtain. The Germany Dresden Mission was opened in 1989, allowing missionaries from other countries to enter the country, while local missionaries where allowed to leave for service in other countries.
