The Church in Puerto Rico
The first Latter-day Saint branches in Puerto Rico were organized in 1955. In the 1960s and 1970s local members became pioneers of Latter-day Saint culture in the Caribbean. Church members have helped each other and their neighbors after natural disasters. A temple in San Juan was dedicated in 2023.
Visit the Newsroom to see current events of the Church in Puerto Rico.
History of the Church in Puerto Rico
In the 1940s, small groups of Latter-day Saint American servicemen stationed in Puerto Rico began holding Church meetings. As other member families moved to the island, they connected with these groups. By 1955 there were enough members to form two branches: one in San Juan and one at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla.
When full-time missionaries were assigned to the island in 1964, the branches were meeting in chapels on US military bases. As local membership grew, the San Juan Branch decided to construct a building of their own so that Sunday services could be held in Spanish. A month after the meetinghouse was dedicated in 1970, the first Spanish-speaking branch was formed.
By 1985 there were four stakes in Puerto Rico. However, in 1993 all the stakes were reorganized into districts. Puerto Rican Saints initially were disappointed by this setback but committed themselves to strengthening the Church on the island. These inspired Saints worked to share the gospel and encourage one another in living its principles.
There are now five stakes in Puerto Rico, and their dedication to the work continues. Whether they are attending the temple, providing aid after a natural disaster, or sharing the gospel with their neighbors, the Saints in Puerto Rico know “what a pleasure it is to work in the vineyard of the Lord, and what an honor it is to share His word and His light” with those around them (“Placentero nos es Trabajar,” Himnos, no. 88).
Stories of Faith
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Notes
- Burk, William A. Interviewed by Ryker J. Garrett. June 1, 2016. Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Fraticelli, Nivea Rebecca (Becky). “Brief Chronological History of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints in the Caribbean, 1950–2000.” 2007. Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Gaunt, LaRene Porter. “Puerto Rico’s Joyful Saints.” Ensign, Feb. 1996, 34–42.
- Millett, Richard L. Think of Your Brethren Like unto Yourselves: The Beginning of a Marvelous Work and a Wonder in the Caribbean; a History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Caribbean, 1977–1980. 1992. Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- “Realizan Palada Inicial para la Construcción del Templo de San Juan, Puerto Rico [Groundbreaking for the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple Celebrated].” Sala de Prensa, May 4, 2019.
- Russell, Gardner H. “Oral History Program.” Interview by Gordon Irving. May 30, 1974. Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Taylor, Scott. “Threads of Charity Binding Residents of Post-Hurricane Puerto Rico.” Church News, Mar. 7, 2018, ChurchofJesusChrist.org/church/news/threads-of-charity-binding-residents-of-post-hurricane-puerto-rico.