Veracruz México Temple

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Veracruz México 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 Mormon Church announced on April 14, 1999 that it would be building a temple near the Mexican port city of Veracruz, Veracruz. The Veracruz temple, located in the adjacent city of Boca del Río some 10 km south of downtown Veracruz, is one of twelve Mormon temples in Mexico. Previously, local members had to travel all the way to the Mesa Arizona Temple in the United States.

The first Mormon missionaries didn't arrive in Veracruz until 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.

A groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication for the Veracruz México 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. The temple site is 3.39 acres, which includes a meetinghouse. The Mormon temple was open for tours to the public June 26 through July 1, 2000. More than 10,000 people toured the temple during this time.

Member of the First Presidency, Thomas S. Monson, dedicated the Veracruz temple on July 9, 2000. Four sessions were held and more than 5,000 members attended. The temple serves nine stakes, two districts, and two branches in the area.

The Veracruz México Temple has a total of 10,700 square feet, two ordinance rooms, and two sealing rooms.