Have you heard the story of how a temple in Sāo Paulo reshaped a church’s global policy? I am thrilled to share some facts about the Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias. It is also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The church’s journey in Brazil began in 1926. The South American Mission was established then. Initially missionary work focused on small German immigrant colonies in southern Brazil. A significant shift occurred in 1938. Public meetings in non-Portuguese languages were banned. This forced the church to expand its missionary work to Brazilians and Portuguese speakers. The Brazil Mission officially opened on February 9 1935. Rulon S. Howells became mission president.
In 1939 the first Portuguese translation of the Book of Mormon was published. It was a crucial step in reaching a wider audience. During the 1950s Howells implemented genealogical screening programs. This was for Brazilians interested in joining the church. At the time church policy restricted priesthood office to males without African ancestry.
A change came in 1965. Church President David O McKay altered the policy in Brazil. All men were presumed qualified for the priesthood. This was unless obvious evidence indicated otherwise. The first stake in Brazil was established in Sāo Paulo on May 1 1966. A pivotal moment arrived in 1978. The Sāo Paulo Brazil Temple was completed. It became the church’s first temple in Brazil and South America. Many believe the temple influenced the 1978 Revelation on Priesthood. This revelation allowed male church members of any race to receive the priesthood.
Brazil now holds a significant place in the church’s global presence. As of 2023 the church reported 1494571 members in Brazil. It has 285 stakes 39 districts 1783 wards and 389 branches. Brazil has the most church members in South America. It ranks third worldwide behind the United States and Mexico.
The story of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil. It is one of adaptation growth and change. Max and Amalie Zapf were the first known members of the church in Brazil. They were German immigrants who joined the church before moving to Brazil in 1913. They did not find other members until ten years later. The Zapfs met Augusta Kuhlmann Lippelt and her family. They were also members who emigrated from Germany.
Reinhold Stoof the president of the South American Mission sent missionaries to the larger German colonies in Southern Brazil. The first two missionaries in Brazil were William Fred Heinz and Emil A. J. Schindler. They arrived in 1928. The first people baptized in Brazil were Berta Sell and her four children on April 14 1929.
In 1929 the church acquired its first property in Brazil. It served as a meeting place for members. The Brazil Mission was established on February 9 1935. It covered what is now modern Brazil Bolivia Ecuador Colombia Venezuela Guyana Suriname and French Guiana.
The missionaries later realized that they could not avoid teaching and interacting with people of African descent. Housing was not segregated in Brazil. The first Portuguese translation of the Book of Mormon was published in Brazil in 1939.
The construction and dedication of the Sāo Paulo Brazil Temple marked a turning point. It highlighted the racial policies within the church. It also led to significant changes. Today the church continues to grow and thrive. It embraces a diverse membership throughout Brazil.