Utah Area
Genesis Group

An official group of 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Who We Are

Genesis Group was established in October 1971 by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a dependent branch to serve the needs of African-American Latter-day Saints. Following the priesthood revelation on June 9, 1978, Genesis Group continued to host meetings on the first Sunday of every month, and other activities, to support and edify all Latter-day Saints, their families and friends, and individuals interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Today, the current purpose was provided by the late President M. Russell Ballard who said: “Today the Genesis Group is organized in harmony with the Church’s general handbook as a multi-stake activity group in the Utah Area. Its main purpose is to bring Church members and others together as fellow citizens with the Saints and to encourage and support black latter-day saints, their families, and their friends to build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen their membership in His restored Church, and foster unity.”

Genesis Group provides assistance to the Utah Area Presidency, mission presidents, stake presidents, bishops, and ward auxiliaries. The group is organized under the Utah Area Presidency by Elder Kevin Pearson of the First Quorum of the Seventy. It is overseen through assignment by Elder David Frischknecht, a member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy.

Today the Genesis Group is lead by President Ronell Hugh, First Counselor Roy Banks, Second Counselor Adam Hiné, and bExecutive Secretary Errol Balfour.

Activities

Genesis Group provides activities that strengthen and build Black Latter-day Saints through the gospel of Jesus Christ and its community. It’s an opportunity for us to gather as children of God to worship, sing, and socialize together.

We provide a:

  • Monthly Devotional: Held on the first Sunday of every month in Draper, Utah.
  • Annual Summer BBQ: Held annually on the first Saturday in June
  • Christmas Party: Held on the first Saturday in December

As a Genesis Group community, we are always looking to provide additional activities for us to gather to be strengthened spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Devotionals

Genesis Group holds a monthly devotional on the first Sunday. Our focus with these devotionals is to strengthen and build Black Latter-day Saints through the gospel of Jesus Christ with music, word, and testimony.

The devotional is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 275 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah. Many who attend come to enjoy the prelude music provided by Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Below are the devotional dates for 2024:

  • March 3
  • April 7
  • May 5
  • June 2
  • July 7
  • August 4
  • September 1
  • October 6
  • November 3
  • December 1

We invite all Black Latter-day Saints, their family and friends to join us.

    Watch the devotional livestream
       Visit our Facebook group for the latest news

History

The Genesis Group was established in October 1971 by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a dependent branch to serve the needs of African-American Latter-day Saints. Following the priesthood revelation, or Official Declaration #2, in June 1978, The Genesis Group continues to host meetings on the first Sunday of every month, and other activities, to support and edify all Latter-day Saints, their families and friends, and individuals interested in the LDS Church. The Genesis Group also provides assistance to mission presidents, stake presidents, and bishops. Elder David Frischknecht, a member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy, currently oversees The Genesis Group.

History continued...

A member of the original Genesis Group Presidency and former President of Genesis, Darius Gray, writes: "Genesis was, and is, a unique unit of the Church. We are like no other Church organization but our existence was brought into being by the direct actions of the First Presidency and The Quorum of the Twelve. We are not an auxiliary like the Relief Society but we are more than a 'fireside' while less than a ward. What fireside has a presidency set apart to a specific purpose? What fireside has its own auxiliaries? . . . Genesis is by design not like any other unit of the Church but there is beauty in that special calling. There is also responsibility. We exist and serve at the pleasure of the leadership of the Lord's Church. Our purpose is the Lord's purpose - we help to bring souls to the Restored Gospel."

Regular activities include the annual summer picnic, usually held the first Saturday in June, with 300+ in attendance from all over the United States and Canada. On the first Saturday in December is the annual Christmas potluck dinner. March brings the Brothers Breakfast and September the Sisters Breakfast. Other annual activities are held for Primary and the youth.