map of Puerto Rico

A Brief History of the Church in

Puerto Rico

Overview

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).

Quick Facts

Official Name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (United States) / Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (Estados Unidos)

Capital: San Juan

Largest City: San Juan

Official Languages: Spanish / English

Land Area: 9,104 km² (3,515 mi²)

Church Area: Caribbean

Missions: 1 (San Juan)

Congregations: 39

Temples: 1 (San Juan)