The Quito Ecuador Temple is the 175th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Cumbayá, Ecuador, just east of Quito. It is the second temple in Ecuador along with the Guayaquil Ecuador Temple. It was both announced and dedicated on the same day as the Belém Brazil Temple, with the latter being dedicated several hours before.[1] Prior to the announcement of the temple in Quito, Ecuador was the country with the highest number of church members with only one temple.[2]
The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on 3 April 2016, during the church's general conference.[3]
Groundbreaking to signify the beginning of construction was held on 11 May 2019, with Enrique R. Falabella, president of the church's South America Northwest Area, presiding.[4] The Interior Minister of Ecuador, María Paula Romo, attended the groundbreaking ceremony along with several Ecuadorian religious leaders and more than 800 people.[4]
The temple was planned to be completed in 2021,[5] but was delayed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the scheduled dedication of the temple to 2022.[6] A public open house was held from 14 to 29 October 2022 and was attended by more than 50,000 people.[1] The temple was dedicated by Quentin L. Cook on 20 November 2022 over three sessions.[1]
The temple's design is simple and symmetric with subtle details, which helps the temple stand out against the natural surroundings and emphasizes its presence. The base of the temple is made of volcanic andesite stone, its structure consists of cast-in-situ concrete walls and floors, and the exterior is clad in white Turkish limestone with carved panels above the exterior windows.[7] The square fountain in front of the entrance is made of natural andesite stone.[7]
Ecuadorian floral patterns are present in the windows, stone panels, fountain, and carpets throughout the temple, with the colors representing the tones of Ecuadorian flowers.[1] [7] The repeated floral motifs throughout the temple are based on the geranium, which is said to be a "very representative flower of the city of Quito" which transmits the "air of Quito in the rooms" of the temple.[7]