Here’s Your First Look Inside the Antofagasta Chile Temple

The Antofagasta Chile Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened its doors to the public, inviting visitors to tour its sacred spaces before its dedication. The public open house is scheduled from May 14 through May 24, 2025, excluding Sundays.

During a news conference, Elder Craig C. Christensen, who has long-standing ties to Chile, reflected on his experiences in the country. “I have a very personal connection with 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, with congregations throughout the territory,” he said.

The Church’s History in Chile

The history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile is marked by early missionary efforts, significant growth, and enduring faith. In November 1851, Apostle Parley P. Pratt arrived in Valparaíso, Chile, accompanied by Elder Rufus Allen and Pratt’s wife, Phoebe Sopher. They sought to introduce the restored gospel to the Chilean people.

Despite their earnest efforts, they faced considerable challenges, including language barriers, limited Spanish-language Church literature, and a constitutional environment that permitted only Catholicism as the public religion. Tragically, the death of Parley and Phoebe’s infant son in January 1852 further compounded their hardships.

After four months without any baptisms, they departed Chile. Pratt’s experiences underscored the necessity of translating Church materials into local languages to facilitate missionary work.

It wasn’t until 1956 that missionary work in Chile resumed in earnest. That year, the country was incorporated into the Argentine Mission, and the first small branch was established.

By 1961, the Chilean Mission was organized, serving approximately 1,100 members. The subsequent decades witnessed remarkable growth; during the 1980s, Church membership in Chile doubled every two years at its peak.

This rapid expansion led to a surge in the construction of meetinghouses and the dedication of the Santiago Chile Temple in 1983—the first temple built on Spanish-speaking soil. The 1990s continued this trend of growth, with Chile experiencing the most significant increase in Church membership in South America during that decade.

Between 1994 and 1996, 26 new stakes were created. However, this rapid expansion was followed by a period of consolidation. Recognizing the need to strengthen leadership and member activity, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was assigned to Chile in 2002 to provide focused support.

A Temple for Antofagasta

Today, Chile is home to over 600,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, making it the country with the highest number of Latter-day Saints per capita outside of the Pacific Islands. The dedication of the Antofagasta Chile Temple stands as a testament to the faith and resilience of Chilean Saints, from the early efforts of pioneers like Parley P. Pratt to the vibrant, growing community of believers today.

Visitors can explore several rooms within the temple, each designed for specific ordinances and worship. Elder Christensen emphasized the significance of these sacred spaces, stating, “Temples are the house of the Lord, sacred places where we learn about God’s plan, perform ordinances for ourselves and our ancestors, and feel a deep reverence.”

One longtime member shared how the temple’s completion fulfills a long-held dream. She first heard about temples when she was a young woman, traveling to the São Paulo Temple in Brazil in 1979.

There, she gained a deeper understanding of her divine identity and the purpose of life. Reflecting on the new temple in Antofagasta, she described it as a confirmation that dreams, when guided by the Lord, come true.

Impact Beyond Construction

The influence of the temple’s construction has extended to those involved in the building process. According to a social media post by Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a construction worker decided to be baptized after working on the temple. He was baptized on November 12, 2022, and warmly welcomed into his ward family, illustrating how the spirit of the temple can touch lives even before its doors open.

The Antofagasta Chile Temple was announced in April 2019 by Church President Russell M. Nelson, with construction beginning in November 2020. It will be the third temple in Chile, joining those in Concepción and Santiago. Additional temples in various stages of planning and construction in Chile include Santiago West, Puerto Montt, and Viña del Mar.

Dedication Scheduled for June 2025

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside over the dedication, scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025. The dedication will be broadcast to all congregations in the temple district.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visitors can access details through the official Church Newsroom website.

How has the influence of a temple in your area impacted your life or the lives of those around you? Share with us in the comments!

Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.