Welcome to Genesis Group
A welcoming community for Black Latter-day Saints, fostering faith, unity, and support.
The Genesis Group provides a place where individuals and families can gather to worship, learn, and feel understood. We strive to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ, build lasting friendships, and create a sense of true belonging.
Our 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 on June 9, 1978, the Genesis Group continued to host meetings on the first Sunday of every month, along with 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 Genesis Group operates 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.
The Genesis Group provides assistance to the Utah Area Presidency, mission presidents, stake presidents, bishops, and ward organizations. It is organized under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through the Utah Area Presidency. Today the Genesis Group is led by President Ronell Hugh, First Counselor Thom Reed, Second Counselor Will Kennedy, and Executive Secretary Errol Balfour.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to encourage and support Black Latter-day Saints, their families, and friends in building faith in Jesus Christ, strengthening their membership in His restored Church, and fostering unity. Each pillar highlights a specific focus: strengthening individuals through uplifting activities and ministering; building a supportive Genesis Group community where members feel seen and valued; and improving our wards, stakes, and neighborhoods to ensure Black members feel spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically safe. Together, these pillars reflect our commitment to belonging, discipleship, and growth.
The Three Pillars of the Genesis Group
The Genesis Group strives to help Black members be converted to Jesus Christ and His gospel, feel loved and supported, experience community, understanding, and belonging, and lift Black Latter-day Saints, their families, and friends. We accomplish this through the following three pillars:
- Pillar 1: Build and Strengthen the Individual
Improving the lives of Genesis Group members through uplifting and educational activities, and ministering. - Pillar 2: Build and Strengthen the Genesis Group
Creating an environment where Black members feel supported, strengthened, create friendships, and can be themselves. - Pillar 3: Improve and Strengthen Our Wards, Stakes, and Communities
Creating an inviting and uplifting community where Black members feel spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically safe.
Upcoming Events
Stay connected with devotionals, activities, and community gatherings throughout the year. For a full list of events, view the calendar.
Connect With Us
We invite you, your family, and your friends to join us in worship, learning, and community.
13085 S 300 E
Draper, UT 84020