The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground for a new chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Monday, September 28, 2026 — exactly one year after the attack that killed four people, wounded eight others and destroyed the building. Church leaders also dedicated the site where the new meetinghouse will be built.
“It’s a symbol of hope, a new beginning,” said Jeff Schaub, leader of the Grand Blanc congregation, or ward. “We talk about that a lot in the gospel [of Jesus Christ] — that we can shake off old things and we can start anew and we can rebuild with hope and faith. This is a reminder of that. Bad things have happened, but we don’t have to tie ourselves to those bad things. Because of the Savior Jesus Christ, we can start a new chapter.”
A chapel, or meetinghouse, is where Latter-day Saints gather on Sundays to worship God in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is also a space for other weekly activities.
“Today we remember, of course, those that we lost on that day. And yet we’re here because we choose to build again,” said Grand Blanc Michigan Stake President Marcelino Sanchez, who oversees several congregations in the area. “This groundbreaking … is a way of saying that hope has work still to be done.”
Elder Joni L. Koch of the United States Northeast Area Presidency said the gathering reflected the unity that has developed among Church members, neighbors, and community leaders during the past year.
“This is one of those moments in which we all feel as one, feel united. In scriptural language, we could say that our hearts are knit together in unity and love,” he said.
The old building served local congregations for more than four decades before it was destroyed in the attack. This new building will be larger and is expected to take about 14 months to finish. When construction is complete, the Church plans to host a community open house for neighbors, first responders and local leaders.
“We’re not only rebuilding our building — we’re rebuilding our ward as a family and ourselves individually,” said Cindy Hougaboom, a member of the Grand Blanc congregation. “Christ was with us that day, alongside angels that were protecting us. I know there are also people that are still hurting and still rebuilding themselves, just like everybody in the ward. We’re all at different stages, but I know He’s with me every day. I know that He will continue to be with me and the members of our ward and those that seek Him.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was a declaration that the tragedy would not determine the congregation’s future.
“We’re not defined by our tragedies, but by our reactions to those things,” said Michael Mero, a member of the Grand Blanc congregation. “That event does not define us. But how we move forward, how we grow, how we progress — that’s what truly defines us.”
Community Response
In addition to being a milestone for Church members, Monday was an important moment for the wider Grand Blanc community, which has rallied around victims and their families.
“From the onset of this tragedy, we saw good conquering evil,” said Scott Bennett, supervisor of Grand Blanc Township. “That’s what I want to remember this tragedy for — that good conquered the evil, that people are not living in fear here in Grand Blanc Township.”
Bennett said the tragedy brought many residents closer to local members of the Church.
“Everybody counts,” he said. “Very good people brought us together [and continue] to bring us together.”
The groundbreaking represented the latest milestone in a yearlong journey of healing, remembrance and rebuilding. Two days after the attack, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled to Michigan to comfort and minister to those affected. During that visit, he said local Church members “have much yet to experience and work through, but with our prayers, with their faith, and the influence of the Holy Ghost, these people will continue to be firm and steadfast and true.”
Finding Healing and Strength
The journey of healing has been personal and taken many forms for many families in the congregation.
Lisa Louis, who was inside the chapel during the attack and lost her father, Craig Hayden, that day, said one of the defining lessons of the past year has been mercy.
“One of the greatest things that’s been on my mind lately is mercy,” Louis said. “I really feel that throughout all this, that has been the biggest thing I’ve seen.”
She said forgiveness has been an important part of her family’s healing.
“The gift of forgiveness has been extremely healing,” she said. “It has allowed me to see the love that our Heavenly Father has for all his creations.”
Reflecting on her father, Louis described him as patient, understanding and devoted to his family.
“He was the best father that I could ever imagine having, and the best grandfather and papa for the kids,” she said.
For many families, the tragedy has underscored the importance of cherishing time together and recognizing blessings that might otherwise be overlooked.
Bridger Frampton and his wife, Lindsey, said they often find themselves reflecting on the blessings of the past year as they gather with their children.
“There are days when we just sit there with our kids. We’re looking at all of them and just thankful we have all of them,” Bridger said.
Despite the grief that remains, the Framptons said they have witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness from ward members, educators, neighbors and friends.
Lindsey said she has been moved by the support. Teachers checked on her children, communicated with the family and helped students navigate difficult moments during the past year.
“Heavenly Father sends good people to be in our lives when we need them,” she said. “It’s members of our church and it’s members of our community and it’s our kids’ teachers and coaches. It is proof that our Heavenly Father sees you and loves you.”
As the congregation prepares to return to the site for a new meetinghouse, the family views the groundbreaking as another step forward.
“It’s not a scary place. It’s a sacred place. And it deserves to have a new church building on it,” Lindsey said.
Others said their faith in Jesus Christ has helped them move forward.
“The gospel becomes real when you have challenges,” Bishop Schaub said. “The Atonement [of Jesus Christ] was always something to help with mistakes I’ve made. And I’ve learned personally that it’s so much more than that. It’s for the mistakes other people have made. … I’ve had to learn some things in the last year, and I know many of our members in our ward have been on that same path with me.”
Schaub said the congregation has been strengthened by its shared experiences.
“We’ve been so blessed to have a wonderful ward, a strong ward, and an even stronger ward now that we’ve been united in purpose for a year,” he said.
Looking Forward With Faith and Love
That spirit of gratitude and unity has also extended beyond the congregation. In November 2025 and again last week, the Church donated semitruck loads of food and supplies to FISH of Grand Blanc (a local food bank) as a token of gratitude to the community for its support following the attack.
President Sanchez said he hopes the goodwill shown throughout the past year will continue to ripple through the community.
“My greatest hope is that people will come and walk away having felt God’s love for them and with a desire to share that love with others,” he said.
Bennett said he is a witness to the power of that love.
“What’s the answer?” he asked. “It’s more love. And your church has shown that. In the face of evil, what have you done? You’ve shown more love.”
