Chile
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607,583
Total Church Membership
78
Stakes
571
Congregations
123
FamilySearch Centers
2
Temples
10
Missions |
History
Elder Parley P. Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles served a mission in Chile in 1851–52, but it was another century before the Church was permanently established in the country. In 1952 Billie F. Fotheringham and his family moved to Chile, secured government permission for missionaries to enter the country, and petitioned the Church to establish a mission. Missionaries arrived, and the Santiago Branch was organized in 1956.
The Church grew quickly in Chile. In 1983 the first temple in Spanish-speaking South America was dedicated in Santiago. By 1984 there were stakes spread across the country, from Arica in the north to Punta Arenas in the south, and by 1999 there were more than half a million members of record in the country.
With rapid growth came significant challenges. Chilean Saints responded by pioneering efforts to build a more solid foundation for the kingdom of God in rapidly developing areas throughout the world. In 2001 Chilean Saints were among the first to participate in the Perpetual Education Fund. From 2002 to 2004, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles served as Chile’s Area President, training leaders and gathering insights that would benefit the Church elsewhere.
Church members in Chile have offered assistance to those in need. Since the 1960 earthquakes in Concepción and Valdivia, Chilean Saints have played a role in disaster relief efforts. In 2004 the Church was also recognized by the Chilean government for its efforts fighting poverty.
For Journalist Use Only
Valentín Nuñez
Santiago,
Chile
Office: 56-2-23405219
Mobile: 56-9-97420924
E-mail
Africa
Total Church Membership
849,568
Members
2,721
Congregations
Missions
45Missions
FamilySearch Centers
Temples
6Temples
Asia
Total Church Membership
1,298,181
Members
2,113
Congregations
Missions
45Missions
FamilySearch Centers
Temples
10Temples
Europe
Total Church Membership
507,748
Members
1,296
Congregations
Missions
35Missions
FamilySearch Centers
Temples
14Temples
North America
Total Church Membership
9,637,503
Members
18,423
Congregations
Missions
175Missions
FamilySearch Centers
Temples
120Temples
Oceania (Pacific)
Total Church Membership
599,065
Members
1,308
Congregations
Missions
17Missions
FamilySearch Centers
Temples
11Temples
South America
Total Church Membership
4,320,129
Members
5,629
Congregations