When Patrick and Anne-Marie Gérard moved to Utah from Versailles, France, in 2021, Sunday worship became difficult.
Patrick Gérard spoke some English from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States. Anne-Marie Gérard’s only other language was Italian.
“The first year was kind of tough,” Patrick Gérard said. “I was praying to Heavenly Father. I said, ‘What can I do to help my wife be part of the discussion?’”
That prayer would eventually lead to the creation of what is now the only French-speaking Latter-day Saint ward in the United States.
Established in February 2025, the Lehi 35th Branch (French) grew rapidly as members from across Utah sought opportunities to worship in their native language. Within nine months, the branch had grown enough to become a ward—the Lehi 35th Ward (French) in the Lehi Utah Central Stake.
Patrick Gérard said he often heard members express gratitude for the new branch. During sacrament meetings, several members shared testimonies that they had prayed for a French-speaking congregation.
Visit the Church News to learn more about the Lehi 35th Branch.
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