Why does this building inspire such devotion? The Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias is more than a place of worship. It is a beacon of faith. It is a community that welcomes all.
The Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias is a haven. It provides refuge from daily chaos. Here you can worship God. Join fellow believers. Strive to be more like Jesus. This church is part of a global community. Members span the world. They are friends and neighbors. Together they improve our world.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been in Mexico since 1874. Mexico has the largest number of church members outside the United States. In 2023, Mexican membership was over 1.5 million. The church grew almost 15% between 2011 and 2021.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the first missionaries arriving in Mexico. It was the late summer of 1875. Daniel W. Jones and Meliton Gonzalez Trejo started translating the Book of Mormon. Soon after, a small group journeyed to Chihuahua. Their mission was to observe. Brigham Young wanted to know if preaching would be effective here.
The first missionaries didn’t baptize anyone. But in 1876, Young sent six more missionaries. They were instructed to preach to the Yaqui people. Some found success in Hermosillo. Jose Epifanio Jesus was baptized on May 20, 1877. He was the first official church member in Mexico.
After Brigham Young’s death in 1877, missionary work paused. But in 1879, missionaries returned to Mexico City. Dr. Plotino Rhodakanaty was the first convert baptized there. He was a Mexican anarchist and socialist. Rhodakanaty had read a Mormon tract in 1875. It impressed him. He requested more materials and missionaries. By 1879’s end, sixteen people had joined the church. This was largely due to Dr. Rhodakanaty’s influence.
In 1901, the Mexican Mission was re-established. Ammon M. Tenney became its president. The church focused on Spanish speakers. It aimed to reclaim lost members. In 1910, Rey L. Pratt took over. He left Mexico City in 1913 because of the Mexican Revolution.
During the revolution, tensions rose. There was anti-American sentiment. In 1915, Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales were killed. They refused to renounce their faith. They were also associated with foreigners. Zapatista soldiers interrogated them. Monroy showed them his Bible and Book of Mormon. He said these were his only weapons.
In 1926, the government deported foreign clerics. This included Mormon missionaries. This lasted until 1934. Mexican members preserved church practices during this time.
Church membership grew rapidly. By 1972, there were 100,000 members. Church leaders visited Mexico often. In 1977, Spencer W. Kimball spoke to many members in Mexico City and Monterrey. Nearly 25,000 attended the Mexico City conference. Kimball also met with Mexican President Jose Lopez Portillo.
The first Spanish-speaking stake was organized in Mexico City in 1961. Agricol Lozano became the first Mexican stake president in 1966. The Mexico City Temple was dedicated in 1983. It was the first temple in Mexico.
This Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias in Quito connects to a rich history. It shows faith’s enduring power. Consider the dedication. Reflect on the community. What does this place mean to you?