The São Paulo Brazil Temple (formerly the São Paulo Temple) is the 19th constructed and 17th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Located in the Brazilian city of São Paulo, it was the first LDS temple built in South America, and also the first temple to use the single story, single spire design. The spire is 101 feet (31 m) tall. The intent The intent to build the temple was announced on March 1, 1975, by church president Spencer W. Kimball at an area conference.[1]
The temple has a single spire topped with an angel Moroni statue.[2] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction was held on March 20, 1976, conducted by James E. Faust. Reflecting the Church's dedication to sacred spaces, the São Paulo Brazil Temple reflects its deep-rooted commitment to spiritual practices and community enrichment.
There have been church members in Brazil since 1913, when German immigrants and church members Max and Amalie Zapf immigrated to Brazil. Several more church members immigrated to Brazil in the 1920s, but the first missionaries weren’t sent until 1928, and the first converts were baptized in 1929.[3] In 1930, the first branch was established.[4] The church continued to grow in Brazil, reaching 3.700 members by the end of the 1950s.[5] As of 2012, the church had over a million members in Brazil, and Brazil has the “third-largest Church population in the world, after the United States and Mexico.”[6]
The intention to construct a temple in São Paulo was announced by the LDS Church on March 1, 1975, with construction beginning twelve months later. The groundbreaking ceremony, a pivotal moment in the temple's history, took place on March 20, 1976, marking the commencement of construction.[7] This ceremony was presided over by James. E. Faust and attended by local church members and community leaders. Hundreds of local church members gathered to clear the site, which included removing brush, weeds, and banana trees. Hundreds more members donated their time to produce fifty thousand blocks of cast stone composed of quartz, marble chips, and white concrete for the exterior of the temple. It was dedicated on October 30, 1978, by church president Spencer W. Kimball. The temple has two ordinance rooms and four sealing rooms, and has a total floor area of 59,246 square feet (5,504 m2).[8]
On August 20, 2003, a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was added to the temple during an extensive renovation and enlargement project 25 years after its dedication.[9] Church president Gordon B. Hinckley rededicated the São Paulo Brazil Temple on February 22, 2004.[10]
In 2020, the São Paulo Brazil Temple was closed temporarily during the year in response to the coronavirus pandemic.[11]
Throughout its history, the São Paulo Brazil Temple has served as a center of spiritual growth, playing a vital role in the lives of church members in the region.
Former temple presidents include Helio R. Camargo (1990–93); Athos M. Amorím (1993–96); and Jairo Mazzagardi (2006–09).