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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marked the 100th anniversary of its dedication in South America with a ceremony held at Tres de Febrero Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 16, 2025. The event commemorated the prayer offered by Elder Melvin J. Ballard in 1925, which signaled the start of the Church's mission work on the continent.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided over the celebration, joined by his wife Ruth. Other participants included Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife Naume, as well as members of the South America South Area Presidency: Elder Joaquín E. Costa and his wife Renée, Elder Alan R. Walker and his wife Inés, and Elder Eduardo Gavarret and his wife Norma.
A ten-foot oak tree was planted during the ceremony to symbolize a prophecy made by Elder Ballard, who compared the early days of the Church in South America to "a small acorn that would grow into a mighty oak."
In his address delivered in Spanish, Elder Renlund thanked local officials and all those involved in organizing the event. “We thank the city of Buenos Aires for allowing us to gather in this beautiful park and express our gratitude to the government friends present here. We appreciate your kindness toward us as a Church and as individuals.”
He continued: “We are grateful for the principles of religious freedom that these governments uphold and promote. Without the protection of these freedoms, we could not be celebrating the achievements of the Church’s first century in South America today.”
Elder Renlund recalled Elder Ballard’s dedicatory prayer from 1925, which asked that South America become “a stronghold of the Church.” He noted significant growth since then: “The Church has more than 1.3 million members in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay—more than existed in the entire Church in 1925. We celebrate the faith and sacrifice of the first-century pioneers and the faithfulness of the Saints who built this legacy,” he said.
Looking ahead, Elder Renlund encouraged attendees to continue building on this foundation: “The Lord has in mind more than one oak; this tree needs to produce more acorns that can be planted. There are more lives to touch and more hearts to change. The Savior needs all of us to join Him in His work.”
He referenced President Dallin H. Oaks by saying: “We have a prophet who wants us to go from having one tree to a forest of oaks—a majestic forest symbolizing the faith and strength of Latter-day Saints in South America.”
Elder Renlund invited members to take up their roles as "second-century pioneers." He said: “The Lord needs pioneers today. We can help others come unto Christ, nurture our faith, and deepen our roots in the gospel. We can serve in temple service, support rising generations and strengthen our families.”
He also introduced a new hymn for an upcoming hymnal titled "I Am a Pioneer Too," summarizing its message: “The Lord needs pioneers today; There’s much that I can do. I’ll work and pray and follow Him.I’m a pioneer too!”
At closing, he gave an apostolic blessing upon Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay: “I release the power of God to bless this forest of faith that has been planted so it continues to expand until it fills every valley, every mountain and every heart... I bless all second-century pioneers in their desires to love and serve The Lord.”
The broadcast also highlighted voices from younger generations within church membership.
Liam Wajchman (age 10) spoke about visiting Tres de Febrero Park with his family while reflecting on its historical significance for Latter-day Saints.“I really like coming to this park... but besides being a place I like to visit with my family,this place is special.Here,the Lord opened door for preaching gospel...we are all resultofthat sacred moment,” Wajchman said.
He added:“The messageofgospel is messageof joyand peace...it’s still same.I invite everyone toc ome unto Christ,to receive restored gospel through faithin Jesus Christand His Atonement…”
Ana Pedersen (age 16) shared experiences relatedto her parents’ missionary service:“What impresses me most is seeing how accepting Jesus Christand His gospelcan work miraclesin people’s lives.The Savioris always atthe door waitingforus topenour hearts,” she said.
She concluded,“I knowthat missionaryworkisa workof loveandthat JesusChristlives.I knowIam adaughterofa Heavenly Fatherwhoknowsand lovesme,andthat familiescanbe eternal.Thatisthe treasuremy parentstaughtmeto cherish.”
