On Christmas morning in 1925, a small group gathered in Tres de Febrero Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to witness what would become a turning point for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. Elder Melvin J. Ballard, representing the Church, offered a dedicatory prayer, officially commencing the preaching of the restored gospel on the continent. At the time, the Church counted just about 600,000 members worldwide—a number that, by 2025, would swell to nearly 4.4 million in South America alone, according to ABC4 and official Church sources.
Fast forward a century, and 2025 saw the Church’s centennial celebrations unfold in a series of vibrant, heartfelt events across South America. These commemorations honored the faith and service of early pioneers while looking ahead to a future full of hope, as the South America South Area Presidency expressed at the start of the year: “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.”
One of the most anticipated highlights was the historic first visit of the Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square to Argentina. In August, the renowned ensemble performed three concerts in Buenos Aires at iconic venues such as Palacio Libertad and Movistar Arena. The events drew thousands in person and reached millions more through digital broadcasts, marking a milestone for both the Church and the region. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who attended the choir events, reflected, “Through music, the Choir seeks to teach about Jesus Christ and His commandments. It was a deeply moving experience.”
The centennial spirit wasn’t confined to Argentina. In Chile, the celebrations blossomed into concerts, choral gatherings, and community activities, culminating in a major event on June 14, 2025. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles led the festivities, which included an in-person audience of 4,000 and a nationwide broadcast that reached over 10,000 people. “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,” Elder Stevenson 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.”
Paraguay and Uruguay joined in with their own artistic and cultural events, drawing together civil, religious, and educational leaders alongside Church members and friends. These gatherings provided opportunities for music, art, and spiritual reflection, all centered on Jesus Christ and the Church’s century-long legacy of service in South America.
Service was at the heart of the centennial. Members in the four countries of the South America South Area participated in a coordinated day of community service. The Church organized more than 100 humanitarian initiatives in 2025—ranging from medical donations and support for people with disabilities to food assistance, educational projects, and the restoration of public spaces. Youth across the region prepared thousands of school and hygiene kits, embodying the Church’s commitment to practical compassion.
April and May brought another cultural highlight as the Church participated in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair for the third year running. From April 24 to May 12, 2025, the Church’s presence at the 49th fair included interactive spaces for FamilySearch, JustServe, and the Book of Mormon Experience, offering visitors an engaging and diverse look at the Church’s teachings, history, and community outreach.
The centennial year also brought official recognitions from national governments. In August, Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Joaquin E. Costa met with Argentina’s President Javier Milei to discuss religious freedom, community service, and the Church’s social contributions over the past hundred years. The Argentine National Senate presented an official recognition of the Church’s centennial, while in Chile, the Chamber of Deputies honored the Church for its work in education, humanitarian aid, strengthening families, and promoting civic values.
Two new temples marked spiritual milestones during the centennial: the Antofagasta Chile Temple, dedicated in June, and the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple, dedicated in November. Elder Ulisses Soares, who presided over the Bahía Blanca dedication, described the moment as deeply significant. “What a great blessing to conclude this beautiful year of celebration with the temple dedication,” he said. “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.”
As 2025 drew to a close, the Church’s annual Light the World campaign added a festive and charitable touch to the centennial. Giving Machine kiosks in Buenos Aires and Santiago allowed people to donate essential items—everything from medical supplies to food and hygiene products—to hospitals, foundations, and local organizations in need. This initiative, according to Church News and ABC4, invited thousands to experience the Christmas season through acts of kindness and generosity.
The centennial celebrations culminated in a central broadcast from Tres de Febrero Park, the very site where Elder Ballard’s prayer launched the Church’s journey in South America a century earlier. Elder Dale G. Renlund, participating in this symbolic event, called on members to become “pioneers of the second century.” He urged, “The Lord needs pioneers today. We can help others come closer to Jesus Christ, strengthen our families and serve with love.”
Elder Joaquin E. Costa, South America South Area President, echoed this forward-looking spirit as the centennial commemorations wrapped up: “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.”
From humble beginnings to a vibrant, continent-spanning faith community, the Church’s centennial in South America was a tapestry of music, service, recognition, and renewed commitment. The events of 2025 not only honored a remarkable past but also set the stage for a new generation of pioneers, ready to carry forward a legacy of faith, love, and service into the next hundred years.
