The University of Idaho campus in Moscow hosted a centennial commemoration for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Institutes of Religion program on Saturday night, September 26, 2026. The event marked exactly 100 years since the program’s inception in Latah County.
The Institute program began in Moscow on September 26, 1926, when Church President Heber J. Grant dispatched J. Wyley Sessions to establish collegiate seminaries. Sessions held the first classes near the university with just 25 students. At the time, there was no dedicated building or formal curriculum; the effort relied entirely on the teacher.
The centennial devotional took place at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. It served as the centerpiece of the “100 Years of Institute” Young Single Adult Conference, which featured workshops, field games, dancing, and other activities throughout the day.
Historical Growth
During the program’s 75th anniversary in 2001, President Henry B. Eyring noted that the initiative started with minimal resources. A century later, the Institute program has expanded significantly. It now operates in more than 2,700 locations across more than 170 countries and offers instruction in 39 languages.
Elder Peter M. Johnson was the featured speaker at the devotional. University of Idaho President Scott Green welcomed attendees to the campus event. Past and present students enrolled in the Moscow Institute also shared remarks during the proceedings.
Conference Theme
The conference operated under the theme “Learn. Gather. Lift.” In 2026, President Dallin H. Oaks invited young adults to consistently attend institute classes. He described the program as “one of the greatest opportunities to learn, gather and lift others.”
President Oaks outlined several benefits for attendees, including learning to distinguish truth from error and building relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He also noted that the program helps individuals find direction, discover answers to life’s questions, and meet others who can help them along the covenant path. Additionally, he stated that institute provides opportunities to meet people for dating and marriage, and prepares members to love and lead like the Savior.
Trevor Kendrick, a second-year medical school student who attended the institute, spoke during the event. He shared his personal experiences with the program.
“Today, I want to affirm through my personal experiences that these things are true,” Kendrick said.