Belém Brazil Temple Explained

The Belém Brazil Temple is the 174th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is located in Belém, Brazil, and is the ninth temple in the country.

History

The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on April 3, 2016, during the church's general conference.[1] The Quito Ecuador and Harare Zimbabwe temples, along with a second temple in Lima, Peru, were announced at the same time. Construction of the temple was expected to employ roughly 1,700 workers throughout all construction stages.[2]

There were more than 1.3 million church members in Brazil at the time of the temple's announcement,[1] with over 1.4 million at the time of the temple's completion in 2022.[3] The church's ninth to be built in Brazil, the temple's groundbreaking was held on August 17, 2019, with Marcos A. Aidukaitis, then-president of the Brazil Area, presiding.[4] The temple was dedicated on 20 November 2022 by Dale G. Renlund over three sessions.

Architecture and design

Geometric design elements were inspired by Marajoara indigenous pottery and the Victoria amazonica, which is also featured throughout the art glass designs.[5] The blue, green, yellow and pink colors were inspired from the Amazon rainforest.[5] The church consulted Brazilian landscape experts to help identify the native species that would best fit the design of the temple.[5]

The central spire, which brings the temple's height to 89 feet and is topped with the Angel Moroni, was inspired by local styles in the more historic parts of Belém. Interior artwork and decorations were inspired by Pará's culture and landscape.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: LDS Church has rich history in cities of newly announced temples . Weaver . Sarah Jane . 3 April 2016 . .
  2. Web site: Abertura de Terra do Templo de Belém é marcada por forte emoção e espiritualidade de membros do Pará: Cerimônia marca início da construção do nono templo em solo brasileiro que é interpretado como respostas às orações de fiéis santos dos últimos dias paraenses . Newsroom . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . 22 May 2023.
  3. Web site: Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: Brazil . Newsroom . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . 22 May 2023.
  4. News: Groundbreaking for the Belém Brazil Temple: Latter-day Saint and community leaders participate . Newsroom . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . 17 August 2019 .
  5. Web site: Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Belém Brazil Temple . Church of Jesus Christ Temples . 22 May 2023.