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SALT LAKE CITY — An upcoming KSL TV documentary this Sunday marks a monumental milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America — the 100th anniversary of its presence on the continent.

It all began on Christmas Day in 1925, when Elder Melvin J. Ballard, an Apostle of the church, offered a dedicatory prayer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, setting the stage for the gospel to be preached throughout South America.

He prophesied that the church would grow slowly, like an acorn, and eventually become a mighty oak. That prophecy is now being fulfilled.

All across South America, Latter-day Saints are commemorating this centennial with vibrant celebrations, concerts, and reflections on the Church’s remarkable journey.

“South America has flourished in a way that’s just amazing,” said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

A monument now stands in the park where Elder Ballard offered his prayer, marking the spiritual birthplace of the Church in South America.

“For the first 50 years, growth was slow. But in the 1970s and 1980s, everything changed. The numbers of members grew very fast,” said Veronica Wallingre, Church History Area Manager in Argentina.

Today, Argentina alone has 14 missions, with missionaries actively serving and sharing their faith.

“The work is going amazing,” said missionary Chelsey Morton, from Utah, who is serving in Buenos Aires.

“I think the hearts of the people are being prepared for this time,” added Agustina Perez, also a missionary in Buenos Aires.

The first temple in South America was dedicated in 1978 in São Paulo, Brazil, 53 years after Elder Ballard’s prayer. Since then, 30 more temples have been dedicated, with over 30 more announced or under construction.

Today, there are over 4.4 million members of the Church in South America, spread across 5,600 congregations.

“We are baptizing more than any other time in the history of the church,” said Elder Eduardo Gavarret of the Area Presidency.

As part of the festivities, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square traveled to Argentina where they performed three concerts, celebrating the centennial with music and unity.  This is the very first time the choir has been to Argentina.

“What a gift. Can anybody give a better gift than that?” Elder Cook said.

The church is also receiving unprecedented media coverage, with recognition from presidents and congressional leaders across South America.

Join Dan Rascon this Sunday at Noon, following the morning session of general conference, for the full documentary: From Acorn to Oak Tree: A 100-Year Legacy in South America