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25 years ago
A tour in which President Ezra Taft Benson created stakes and met with leaders in Europe concluded on Oct. 24, 1977, according to the Nov. 5, 1977, Church News.
"I came away very encouraged about the great upsurge of spirit and interest in the Church in Europe," said President Benson, then president of the Quorum of the Twelve, after the 10-day trip.
He organized the Helsinki Finland Stake, the first in that country, during his first stop in Europe, and also dedicated a new meetinghouse in Kokkala.
President Benson spoke at a meeting of members in Sweden and, in Norway, met with Lars Korvald, former prime minister of that country. Then he traveled to Denmark, Switzerland and Germany. He addressed a group that included 170 Dutch members during a special meeting at the Swiss Temple and presided over the organization of the Munich Germany Stake.
The article recorded: " 'It was a real joy to be back in Europe,' said President Benson, who supervised Church activities in Europe from 1962-65. 'The spirit of the people there, especially the missionary spirit, was most gratifying.' "
He said he also spoke to many people who were not members of the Church and "many of them told me they were ready for baptism."
