100 Years of Faith, Service, and Hope: The Church of Jesus Christ Concludes Its Centennial Celebration in South America 

On Christmas morning in 1925, Elder Melvin J. Ballard offered a dedicatory prayer in Tres de Febrero Park in Buenos Aires, officially commencing the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in South America.

That prayer, offered when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership totaled about 600,000 members worldwide, included a prophecy comparing the Church’s growth on the continent to an acorn that, over time, would become a mighty oak. A century later, nearly 4.4 million members of the Church live in South America.

At the beginning of the year, the South America South Area Presidency stated, “We will celebrate a century of faith and service, grateful to the pioneers who opened the way and looked to the future with hope, inspired by our children and youth.”

Throughout 2025, the Church carried out numerous commemorative activities that honored the legacy of the pioneers of the Church's first century in South America.

The Tabernacle Choir Visits Argentina

One of the most notable highlights of the Centennial was the first visit of the Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square to Argentina, where they held three concerts in Buenos Aires, including performances at the Palacio Libertad and Movistar Arena.

The performances brought together thousands of people and reached millions through digital broadcasts in a historic moment for the region.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who participated in the choir events, said, “Through music, the Choir seeks to teach about Jesus Christ and His commandments. It was a deeply moving experience.”

Cultural Celebrations

The centennial was also celebrated through cultural and artistic events in different South American countries. In Chile, concerts, choral gatherings and community activities highlighted the history of the Church and its cultural and social contributions to the country.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles led the celebration on June 14.

“It was impressive to see their hearts filled with happiness and joy, celebrating this event together with all the other Chilean Saints who connected through the broadcast,” he said “We were touched to see the staging, hear the music, and witness the smiles on everyone’s faces—both the audience and those who participated as cast members and musicians.”

In Paraguay and Uruguay, artistic and cultural events brought together civil, religious, and educational leaders to celebrate with friends and members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

One event offered a day of music, art, and spiritual reflection centered on Jesus Christ and the Church’s century-long legacy of service on the continent.

Service and Humanitarian Aid

A key focus of the centennial celebration was community service. In the four countries of the South America South Area, Church members participated in a day of service in their communities.

The Church carried out more than 100 humanitarian initiatives involving medical donations, support for people with disabilities, food assistance, educational projects and the restoration of public spaces.

Youth from across the region prepared thousands of school and hygiene kits.

The Church of Jesus Christ Participates in International Book Fair

For the third consecutive year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took part in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair. The 49th fair was held from April 24 to May 12. This event is one of the most important cultural events in the Spanish-speaking world.

The Church offered an enriching and diverse experience across three interactive spaces: FamilySearch, JustServe and the innovative Book of Mormon Experience.

Recognition of the Church on Its Centennial

In August, Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Joaquin E. Costa were received by Argentina President Javier Milei in a meeting that focused on the importance of religious freedom, community service and the Church’s social contributions over the past hundred years.

In a similar tribute, the Argentine National Senate presented an official recognition of the Church’s Centennial in South America.

Download Photo

And in Chile, the Chamber of Deputies recognized the Church of Jesus Christ for contributing to education and humanitarian aid, strengthening families, and promoting civic values.

Light the World: Christmas as an Experience of Giving

As the centennial year came to a close, the Light the World campaign once again invited thousands of people to experience Christmas through meaningful acts of kindness.

Giving Machine kiosks, installed in Buenos Aires and Santiago, offered an opportunity for individuals to donate essential items to hospitals, foundations, and local organizations.

Two Houses of the Lord Dedicated

The dedication of the Antofagasta Chile Temple in June and the dedication of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple in November were spiritual milestones of the centennial, reinforcing the centrality of family and Jesus Christ in the lives of members.

“What a great blessing to conclude this beautiful year of celebration with the temple dedication,” said Elder Ulisses Soares following the dedication in Bahía Blanca. “What a magnificent opportunity and blessing to see the growth of the kingdom of the Lord in South America that started here in Argentina in 1925. This temple is a symbol of faith; it’s a beacon and a light to Argentina.”

A Legacy That Continues

Elder Dale G. Renlund, who participated in the centennial’s central broadcast from the same park where the dedication took place in 1925, invited members to become “pioneers of the second century.”

“The Lord needs pioneers today. We can help others come closer to Jesus Christ, strengthen our families and serve with love,” said Elder Renlund.

Download Photo

Concluding the commemoration, Elder Joaquin E. Costa, South America South Area President, summarized the spirit of the centennial: “Let us celebrate these first 100 years with a legacy of faith, extending a hand of love and ensuring that the gospel of salvation and happiness continues reaching more of God’s children.”