Service and Commitment Marks 125th Anniversary of the Adventist Church in Puerto Rico

Celebratory events include acts of service, literature distribution and a free clinic.

March 10, 2025 | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico Union Communication, and Inter-American Division News Staff

Seventh-day Adventists in Puerto Rico recently celebrated their 125th anniversary, reflecting on a rich history of faith, service, and mission in the Caribbean island. The February 1-2 series of events brought together church leaders, members from across the island, and both local and international guests.

Focus on Serving Others

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Adventist churches in the capital city of San Juan altered their traditional Sabbath services on February 1, to engage in community service activities. Church members distributed specially prepared materials and shared a message of hope.

“Hundreds of young people from churches across the island arrived early in the morning, excited to serve their neighbors by distributing food at hospitals, nursing homes, and at police and fire stations,” said Pastor David Sebastian, Youth Ministries and Personal Ministries director for the Puerto Rico Union.

In collaboration with ADRA volunteers, young people also helped clean the home of a family that had lost everything in a fire, as well as participated in beach cleanups.

San Juan became the center of a mass distribution of a special issue of the Priorities magazine. Thousands of copies were delivered door-to-door and handed out to passersby and drivers in the island’s main metropolitan area. The publication addressed two key topics of concern for the general population: mental health and financial wellbeing.

“In the emotional and economic realm, it is essential to find a balance that allows us to preserve peace and hope, just as Jesus promised us,” said Pastor Luis Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Union. “Jesus said, ‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).”

Rivera reported that 150,000 printed copies of Priorities are now available for distribution through local church initiatives. Digital copies will soon be shared with the community as well.

Anniversary Celebration Program

The following day, February 2, a special celebration took place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Over 6,000 people attended this inspiring program, which began with an overview of the history of Adventism on the island, spiritual messages by world church leaders, and a baptism ceremony that included four women.

Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division, opened the meeting by reflecting on the importance of mission. Later, representatives from the Municipality of San Juan, the Senate of Puerto Rico, and the Governor’s Office acknowledged the Adventist Church’s contributions to community service. Juan Gaud, director of the Faith-Based Office of La Fortaleza, shared that when he met Pastor Rivera, the Puerto Rican Union president said, “I do not come to request something from you, but to serve you,” demonstrating the humble spirit and goodwill that characterize Seventh-day Adventists.

Musical performances by soloists and choirs of all ages added to the worship atmosphere, before Pastor Abner De Los Santos, a vice president of the General Conference, encouraged attendees to adopt the motto: “We will not stop.” “This is a motto focused on growth and mission, with global dimensions,” De Los Santos said.

Health Clinic and Other Initiatives

The anniversary celebration also featured a health clinic open to all attendees, as well as educational programs from various church departments and ministries. “The island’s main convention center became the perfect venue for intergenerational fellowship,” said Rivera. “Children and youth actively participated in activities designed to strengthen their leadership and connection with God.”

The event concluded with a call to continue in faithfulness and growth. “It helped members renew their commitment to keep preaching the gospel and serving their communities,” Rivera added.

From Faith to Hope

The first Adventist in Puerto Rico, nurse-soldier David Trail, arrived with U.S. Army troops in 1898. After receiving letters from Trail, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists sent the first missionary, Alberto M. Fischer, to Puerto Rico in 1901. Fischer, along with his wife Ida and young daughter, settled in Mayagüez. Though Fischer died from typhoid fever after a year of service, his wife continued the mission work.

Today, Puerto Rico is home to more than 33,000 baptized members in 78 municipalities. Church leaders emphasize that the members find joy in believing in a loving God, the promise of Christ’s second coming, and a purposeful life that inspires them to serve others.

Reflecting on the anniversary’s meaning, Dr. Eric del Valle, executive secretary of the Puerto Rican Union, said the celebration focused on “a legacy of faith and a future of hope.” He added, “This anniversary marked a milestone in the church’s history and reaffirmed its vision to keep moving forward with faith and determination. Looking ahead, the Adventist Church in Puerto Rico continues to be a beacon of light and hope in the community.”