This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If you're a Mormon looking for a Republican spouse with political connections, head to the new LDS singles ward opening this weekend in Crystal City, Va.The area, about a quarter-mile from the Pentagon, is so densely populated with Mormon singles that it has been dubbed "Little Provo."Many are staffers for Utah's senators or representatives (all Republicans, except Jim Matheson), while others work in the military-industrial complex, for lobbyists or large corporations."We don't take a [partisan] head count in elders quorum," says Jared Whitley, a member of the new ward, "but ours was the only precinct in northern Virginia that [John] McCain won" in the 2008 presidential election.
There are several LDS singles wards in the region, but the Crystal City one is the first chapel dedicated exclusively to singles, according to a release. It is a renovated office building, rather than the traditional LDS meetinghouse, and will serve three wards of about 775 singles, many of whom live within walking distance.
Up to 2,000 Mormons from the greater D.C. area are expected to "frequent the meetinghouse for social events throughout the week," according to a news release.
"Preparations for this meetinghouse have been a long time in the making, and I can't tell you how excited I am to finally cut the ribbon, so to speak," LDS Stake President William Nixon said in the release. "We know the members of our faith will be in good company with others who meet and worship in this great neighborhood every Sunday, and look forward to many years of fellowship with them."
Mormon singles looking for a Democrat to marry, well, maybe stay closer to downtown Salt Lake City or move to the Bay Area.
Peggy Fletcher Stack