Converted in Denmark while learning trades, Thorarinn Thorason and Gudmund Gudmundson of Iceland were baptized in 1851. They returned to Iceland that year and began preaching on Westmann Island, where several more people joined the Church.

After other missionaries arrived in 1853, Johann P. Lorentzen arrived and ordained Gudmundson an elder, baptized more converts, and organized a branch (a small congregation) on June 19, 1853. Soon after, nearly all the members emigrated to the United States.

In 1879, a Church pamphlet was translated, printed in Denmark, and distributed in Iceland. An Icelandic Mission was organized for a short time, from about 1894 until after 1900. Proselytizing was discontinued in 1914. Missionary work resumed in Iceland in 1975 under the direction of the Denmark Copenhagen Mission, building on the efforts of Latter-day Saint servicemen who had been stationed in Iceland.

A branch was organized at Reykjavik on August 8, 1976, with about 10 members. A year later, it had grown to more than 40 members. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ was translated into Icelandic in 1980. By 1986, membership had reached 180.

Ground was broken in March of 1999 for the first meetinghouse in Iceland. The meetinghouse was dedicated in July 2000.

For Journalist Use Only

Gerhard Gudnason
Reykjavik,
Iceland
Phone:  +354-690-6075