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The Antofagasta Chile Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced its open house with a news conference on May 12, 2025. Elder Craig C. Christensen from the Temple Department and the South America South Area Presidency, along with Elders Joaquín E. Costa, Alan R. Walker, and Eduardo Gavarret, led media representatives and special guests through the temple's interior. Public tours will be available from May 14 to May 24, excluding Sundays.
Elder Christensen shared his personal connection to Chile: “I arrived here as a missionary 48 years ago, when there were only 30,000 members. Today, [there] are more than 600,000 in the country.” He emphasized that temples are sacred places for learning about God's plan and performing ordinances for oneself and ancestors.
A pioneer member of the Church in Antofagasta also attended the event and reflected on her journey: "I first learned about the Church of Jesus Christ 51 years ago when I was 15... even back then, we only dreamed of having a temple here." She expressed gratitude for witnessing a temple in Antofagasta now.
The Antofagasta Chile Temple was announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson in April 2019. Construction began in November 2020. It will be the third dedicated temple in Chile, joining those in Concepción and Santiago. Additional temples are planned or under construction in Santiago West, Puerto Montt, and Viña del Mar.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is scheduled to dedicate the temple on June 15, 2025. The dedication will be broadcast to all congregations in the area.
Latter-day Saints view temples as houses of the Lord and sacred places for worship distinct from meetinghouses where regular services occur. Temples serve as venues for sacred ceremonies such as marriages and proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors.
