Veracruz Mexico Temple Wiki

Description

The Veracruz Mexico Temple, located in Boca del Río in the Mexican state of Veracruz, is the 93rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple serves nine stakes, two districts, and two branches in the area.

History

The first Latter-day Saint missionaries arrived in Veracruz in 1955. The first meetinghouse was built in 1961. At the dedication of the meetinghouse nearly 700 people were in attendance even though the meetinghouse would serve not quite 400. After the dedication of the meetinghouse the missionary work in the area grew rapidly.

Announcement

The Church announced on 14 April 1999 that a temple would be built near the Mexican port city of Veracruz, Veracruz. The Veracruz temple is located in the adjacent city of Boca del Río some 10 km south of downtown Veracruz.  Prior to this temple being built, local members had to travel to the Mesa Arizona Temple in the United States.

Groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication for the Veracruz Mexico Temple were held on May 29, 1999. The ceremony and dedication were presided over by Carl B. Pratt, a member of the Seventy. Around 600 people attended the ceremony and dedication.

In his remarks at the groundbreaking services, Elder Pratt spoke of the early members in Veracruz, who understood the importance of the temple and sacrificed to travel to the Mesa Arizona Temple. Their sacrifice helped prepare the members here for this day. He requested that in preparation for the new temple that members travel more frequently to the Mexico City Mexico Temple, to increase their family history work and to add to the number of people with temple blessings. “We are in the true Church,” he said. “We are preparing the earth for the Second Coming, and with the temple we will be better prepared to do so.”

Elder Octaviano Tenorio, an Area Authority Seventy and second counselor in the area presidency, spoke at the groundbreaking as well. Citing the scripture, Moses 1:39, he discussed the principle of eternal life. He said because of the temple the way to gain eternal life is opened. He added that families are of great importance. “The Lord has established [families] for the happiness of His children. They will be able to endure through the eternities through the ordinances of the temple, if they are sealed”.^[1]Church News, 12 June 1999

Ground was broken the same day as the Veracruz Mexico Temple for the Adelaide Australia and Louisville Kentucky Temples.^[2]Scott Taylor, “Temple Groundbreakings Done on the Same Day,” Church News, LDS.org, 8 August 2018. Accessed 6 October 2018.

Open House

The temple was open for tours to the public from 26 June through 1 July 2000. More than 10,000 people toured the temple during this time.

Dedication

Thomas S. Monson, then first councilor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Veracruz temple on 9 July 2000, the Cornerstone ceremony taking place in a rainstorm.^[3]Swenson, Jason, “Temple reflects generosity, beauty of Veracruz saints,“Church News, Deseret News, 13 July 2000. Accessed 6 October 2018.

Four sessions were held and more than 5,000 members attended. During the dedicatory prayer, President Monson prayed, “bless this great nation of Mexico. Bless the officers of the government that they may be friendly to Thy people. We pray that Thy Saints may prosper in this good land, that they may be released from the shackles of poverty, that they may go forward with faith, with a crown of righteousness upon their heads, to do Thy will and build Thy kingdom.” ^[4]“News of the Church,” Ensign, Oct. 2000, 74^[5]”Veracruz Mexico: ‘May Thy work grow and strengthen‘”, Church News, July 15, 2000

Dedicatory Prayer

Dedication Order

The Veracruz Mexico Temple is the 93rd operating temple in the world and the 12th in Mexico.

Presidents

President	Years
President Carlos Flores García[6]”New 2018 Temple President Called to Serve in Veracruz, Mexico” Church News, LDS.org, 11 September 2018, Accessed 6 October 2018”New Temple Presidents Called for Three Temples,” Church News, LDS.org, 9 April 2015. Accessed 6 October 2018.[/ref]	2015– 2018
President Mauricio Morales	2012–2015
President David K. Bickmore	2009–2012
President J. Larry Memmott	2006–2009
President William R. Treu	2003–2006
President Meliton Lagunes	2000–2003

Details

Location

The temple site is 3.39 acres, which includes a meetinghouse.

Exterior

Cladding

Blanco Guardiano white marble from Torreon, Mexico.^[7]”Veracruz Mexico Temple: Facts and figures” Church News, Deseret News, 17 July 2000. Accessed 6 October 2018

Windows

Symbolism

Inscriptions

Cornerstone

Spires and Moroni

Spire

Moroni

Sculptor
Version
Placed
Faces
Height
Feet
Meters

Interior

The Veracruz México Temple has a total of 10,700 square feet (990 m2), two ordinance rooms, and two sealing rooms.^[8] “Facts and figures: Veracruz Mexico Temple”, Church News, July 15, 2000

Individuals and Contractors

Manager
Also Did
Contractor
Also Did
Manager
responsability

Sources and Links

Additional Articles

Sources/Citation