Imagine families traveling great distances. They make sacrifices to reach a sacred place. That’s the story of A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos do Últimos Dias in São Paulo. It began with German immigrants. Max and Amalie Zapf joined the church in Germany. They moved to Brazil in 1913. They represent the beginning of the church’s permanent presence.
The LDS Church established itself in Brazil in 1926. The South American Mission opened then. Early missionary work focused on German immigrant colonies. These colonies were in South Brazil. In 1938, non-Portuguese languages were banned. This forced the LDS Church to expand. It began missionary work with Brazilians. They spoke Portuguese.
In 1939, the first Portuguese Book of Mormon was published. This was a key moment. It allowed more people to access the church’s teachings. The Brazil Mission opened in 1935. Rulon S. Howells was the mission president.
The first stake in Brazil was established in São Paulo in 1966. This was a significant step. The São Paulo Brazil Temple was completed in 1978. It became the church’s first temple in Brazil. It was also the first in South America.
This temple influenced a revelation. It allowed male church members of any race to receive the priesthood. By 2018, the LDS Church reported many members in Brazil. Records showed 1,383,799 members. Brazil has the most LDS Church members in South America. It ranks third worldwide behind the United States and Mexico.
Andrew Jenson went to South America in 1923. He assessed conditions for missionary work. He wasn’t impressed with Brazil. Missionaries were sent to Argentina instead. The Zapfs met the Lippelts. This other LDS family had also emigrated from Germany. The Zapfs relocated to be closer to the Lippelts.
Reinhold Stoof became president of the South American Mission in 1926. He realized congregations were sparse in Argentina. He sent missionaries to German colonies in Southern Brazil. William Fred Heinz and Emil A. J. Schindler were the first missionaries. Missionaries arrived in 1928. They only worked with Germans due to priesthood restrictions. They baptized Berta Sell and her four children in 1929. This was the first baptism in Brazil. The LDS Church acquired its first property in 1929. It served as a meeting place for members. The first branch in Joinville was created in 1930.
Howells headquartered the mission in São Paulo in 1935. The Brazilian Mission covered a large area. It included modern Brazil, Bolivia, and other countries. Initially, the mission targeted German speakers. After more Portuguese speakers became interested, policies shifted. Missionaries began learning Portuguese.
John Alden Bowers became mission president in 1938. He oversaw the translation of pamphlets. He also oversaw the translation of the Book of Mormon. The first Portuguese translation was published in 1939. James E. Faust served as a missionary in 1939.
During the 1950s, Howells focused on racial purity for converts. Missionaries were told to scrutinize people. They looked for any black ancestry. This policy shifted over time.
Spencer W. Kimball organized Brazil’s first stake. It happened in São Paulo in 1966. This was the first stake in South America.
In 1975, Kimball announced plans to build a temple in São Paulo. The announcement raised concerns about race and priesthood. James E. Faust advocated for black members. He noted their faithfulness.
In 1977, a Missionary Training Center was established in São Paulo. In 1978, the Revelation on Priesthood was announced. All worthy male members could be ordained. The São Paulo Temple was completed that year.
Brazil represents significant growth for the LDS Church. Growth accelerated in 1984. Helvécio Martins became the church’s first black general authority in 1990.
In 2002, the São Paulo Brazil Temple was renovated. A gold angel Moroni statue was added.
The story of A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos do Últimos Dias in São Paulo is one of faith. It is also about overcoming challenges. It reflects growth and change. It shows dedication to family and community. It is a testament to the power of belief.