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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mindanao marked another milestone with the dedication of a new meetinghouse in the municipality of New Corella in Davao del Norte province, on August 23, 2026.
Elder D. Dan Nuñez, an Area Seventy of the Church, presided over the combined dedication program and branch conference of the New Corella Branch under the Tagum Philippines Stake which drew almost 150 people, including members and leaders from across the stake.
During the dedicatory prayer, Elder Nuñez expressed the hope that the new meetinghouse “may be used for the strengthening of the faith of the Saints in New Corella” and “that this structure will help the Saints expand and build more structures in the years to come.”
President Edwin A. Espiritu of the Tagum Philippines Stake described the new meetinghouse as a “sanctuary of faith and testimony.”
Drawing from scriptural accounts of Peter and the other apostles as well as the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his family, President Gemir Villar of New Corella Branch invited members to “cast your nets and build your tents” by continuing to share the gospel to the community.
The dedication was preceded by a public open house held on August 22, where members welcomed community leaders and other guests to the new meetinghouse.
Guests included former New Corella Mayor Rhodora S. Alcoran, Councilor Jeffrey Calamunggay, Councilor Consaro Sayon, and Mr. Jeanry Pates, representing Rev. Fr. Warren Parameo of San Isidro Labrador Catholic Parish.
The Church’s emphasis on family history during the tour stood out to Mrs. Alcoran. “Of all the chapel tours I have attended, this was the first time I heard such a detailed explanation of family history, tracing our family lines, learning about our ancestors and preserving their names and stories,” she said. “It made me want to explore and understand family history more.”
She also added that “I came away with a deeper understanding of who Latter-day Saints are and what they believe.”
Mr. Pates spoke of what the two faiths share. “One thing that we have in common is our belief in Jesus Christ and our desire to do good to others,” he said.
The New Corella Branch was organized on December 10, 2023, with about 50 in attendance. Members initially worshipped in a rented meetinghouse closer to their community. By 2026, branch membership had grown to more than 100, with Sunday attendance reaching as high as 70.
“When the New Corella Branch was organized, I was already so happy because I could see the growth of the Church here in our own community,” shared Brother Carlos Llavore, an early branch member. “Now, seeing how the branch has grown and seeing this new meetinghouse, I am immensely happy and proud of how far New Corella has come.”