- Argentina's national senate honored The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 100-year legacy in South America.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook accepted the recognition, emphasizing gratitude for religious freedom.
- The Tabernacle Choir performed in Buenos Aires as part of centennial celebrations.
BUENOS AIRES — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received a significant national honor in Argentina, marking a century since its arrival in South America.
The country's national senate formally recognized the church's 100-year anniversary, celebrating its growth and contributions throughout the region.
The recognition is a historic moment for the church, which was first established in South America in 1925 when Elder Melvin J. Ballard, an apostle of the church, dedicated the land for the preaching of the gospel. Since then, millions have joined the faith across the continent.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina's bustling capital and the second-largest city in South America, more than 500,000 members of the church now call the country home.
The Senate ceremony took place in the very city where Elder Ballard offered his dedicatory prayer a century ago.
During the ceremony, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined other church leaders to accept the honorary recognition from Argentine senators.
"We have especially strong feelings that you would choose to recognize us on this 100th anniversary," Elder Cook said. "Thank you for your commitment to religious freedom."
He added, "We feel very blessed, and we want you to feel blessed."
As part of the centennial celebration, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square arrived in Buenos Aires to perform three concerts. The first took place on Tuesday night, with two more scheduled for Friday and Saturday at a large arena in the city. Hundreds of watch parties are also planned across South America to join in the celebration.
"For us, to be seen, heard, and honored by the heads of countries, the presidents, the congresses — it's very clear that this has truly grown into the oak tree that was prophesied would come," said choir president Mike Leavitt.
