In 1953, Shoghi Effendi, then head of the Baháʼí Faith, decided that a continental House of Worship for South America would be built in Chile.

[1] In 2001, the Universal House of Justice said efforts should begin to construct the "Mother Temple of South America.

"[2] Then, in late 2002, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Chile announced a competition for the design of the temple, to be built southeast of Santiago.

[13] Anyone may enter the temple irrespective of religious background, sex, or other distinctions, as is the case with all Baháʼí Houses of Worship.

[15] According to the Baháʼí World News Service, the Santiago House of Worship had received over 40,000 visitors by December 6, 2016.