Iglesia Mormona

Did you know that the first Mormon temple in Mexico was built right here in Mexico City? The Iglesia Mormona has a deep and fascinating history in this country. It began in 1875 when Brigham Young sent missionaries to Mexico City. One of the brochures they distributed ended up in the hands of Plotino Rhodacanaty, who became the first member of the Church in Mexico. The first congregation in Mexico City was organized in 1879, with Rhodacanaty as its leader. The Iglesia Mormona faced challenges during the Mexican Revolution. Anti-American sentiment and tensions surrounding foreign religions were high. In 1915, two church members in San Marcos, Hidalgo, Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales, were executed for their faith. They refused to renounce their beliefs and their association with foreigners. Missionary work continued, despite obstacles. In 1926, the Mexican government expelled all foreign clerics. This included Mormon missionaries from North America. This lasted until 1934. During this time, Mexican members worked to preserve church doctrines and practices. The Iglesia Mormona continued to grow and evolve. In 1936, a group known as the Third Convention advocated for native leadership within the Mexican mission. They wanted a native-born Mexican to lead the church’s efforts here. In 1946, Church President George Albert Smith visited Mexico and reconciled with most members of the Third Convention. The mid-20th century also saw a push for church-sponsored education in Mexico. The Centro Escolar Benemérito de las Américas, a private high school, was founded in Mexico City in 1964. The Mexico City Mexico Temple, the first in the country, was dedicated in 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley. The temple underwent renovations and was rededicated in 2008 and again in 2015. The Iglesia Mormona’s presence here in Mexico City stands as a testament to its perseverance. It shows its dedication to its members in Mexico.