Did the towering Andes Mountains witness the arrival of a new faith? Here at La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días in Quito, they certainly did. La Iglesia de Jesucristo began its journey in Ecuador on April 27, 1964. President Sterling Nicolaysen of the Andean Mission started the process of establishing the church.
The church’s roots in Quito intertwine with significant figures. Duane Wilcox, a Quito resident, offered crucial advice to President Nicolaysen. Elder Spencer W. Kimball visited Quito multiple times. In June 1964, he explored the potential for missionary work. Later, in October 1965, he dedicated Ecuador for the preaching of the Gospel. He spoke of the indigenous people in the Andes, highlighting their spiritual needs. He dedicated the country on El Panecillo hill, overlooking Quito.
A pivotal moment for La Iglesia de Jesucristo occurred on October 9, 1965. Families gathered at Quito’s first meetinghouse on Veintimilla Street and Amazonas Avenue. They met Elder Kimball, marking a significant step for the burgeoning community. Just weeks later, the first baptisms took place in Alangasi de la Merced. Nine people joined the church, including eight-year-old Henry E. Ortiz and his family. The Valencia, Tejada, and Trujillo families also became early members. These families formed the foundation of the church in Ecuador.
Missionary work expanded from Quito to other parts of Ecuador. In 1966, Elders Lindon Robinson and Gilbert Wilburn began preaching in Guayaquil. Elders Paul Allen and Milo Walker started working in Otavalo, where a branch was later established. The church continued to grow under the leadership of President Allen E. Litster, who arrived in 1968. In 1969, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley visited missionaries in Quito and Guayaquil. He shared his powerful testimony, deeply moving those present. That same year, the first districts were organized in Ecuador.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued to flourish. Ecuador’s first stake was organized in Guayaquil in 1978. A second followed in Quito in 1979, solidifying the church’s presence. By 1981, a stake was established in Otavalo, demonstrating the expanding reach of the church. Years later, in 1999, the Guayaquil Ecuador Temple was dedicated, a testament to the growth and dedication of the Ecuadorian members. La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días in Quito stands as a testament to the perseverance and faith of its members. From humble beginnings, it has blossomed into a vibrant community, woven into the rich tapestry of Ecuadorian life.