The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Panama

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Panama refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in Panama. The first branch (small congregation) was formed in 1955. As of December 31, 2022, there were 61,009 members in 72 congregations in Panama.

History


A brief history can be found at LDS Newsroom (Panama) or Deseret News 2010 Church Almanac (Panama)

Authorization
In 1940, the first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to come to Panama, included soldiers and families who came to settle in the military bases established by the United States. Following this, the small community created started holding Sunday meetings, giving rise to the need of a branch of an LDS church.

Otto Hunsaker was the person who wrote to the First Presidency in 1941 requesting them to authorize the creation of a branch. He put in the formal request twice. On May 18, 1941, Elder Antoine R. Ivins, a general authority of the Church, was authorized to organize the first branch.

Stakes and Districts
As of February 2023, Panama had the following stakes and districts:

Missions
The Panamá Panamá City Mission was organized July 1, 1988 and is the only mission in Panama.

Temples
The Panama City Panama temple was announced by the LDS Church on August 23, 2002. Ground was broken by Spencer V. Jones, a General Authority Seventy of the LDS Church, on October 30, 2005, three years after its announcement. The open house for the temple was held from July 11 to July 26, 2008, with the temple being dedicated in four sessions by church president Thomas S. Monson on August 10, 2008.