Lima Peru Temple
The Lima Peru Temple is the 38th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Peru, nestled at the top of the Pacific Coast “spine” of South America, is only a medium-size country, but it covers a continent's worth of extremes. Structures devoted to religious purposes are not new to Peruvians. They have the world-renowned Incan ruins and impressive cathedrals, particularly in Lima, where the influence of Spanish colonialism is still easily seen; this, along with the tropical jungles to the towering Andes as well as numerous cathedrals dot the lands of Peru. [1]
Because of the tremendous growth of the Church in Peru, Mormon leaders announced in 1981 that a temple would be built in the beautiful city of Lima. The Lima Peru Temple was constructed in an undeveloped area on 5 acres with six spires that reach toward the heavens. The temple has influenced many of the Peruvians since it's dedication on 10 January 1986, by President Gordon B. Hinckley who was at that time serving as a counselor in the First Presidency. A member of the Lima Peru Temple Presidency said, that "building a new Temple is like throwing a stone into a lake; the resulting ripples radiate out and lift everything they touch." [1]
So, it has been with the Peruvian Temple which serves more than one hundred thousand Peruvian Saints. Serious economic and political problems in Peru have not hindered the temple attendance of the Mormon members. In fact, temple attendance tripled during the years 1988 to 1990.
The Lima Peru Temple has a total of 9,600 square feet, four ordinance rooms, and three sealing rooms.
Lima has had constant economic problems and violence. Ever since the temple's construction, this has improved.
Temple Location
Situated in eastern Lima in the upscale district of La Molina, the Lima Peru Temple, accentuated by six statuesque spires, rises resolutely above heavily traveled Avenida Javier Prado. The spacious grounds of the temple are thoughtfully landscaped to create a peaceful haven for waiting patrons or anyone seeking refuge from the worries of the world. An accommodation center shares the grounds, offering living quarters, a cafeteria, and a family history center. The Peru Missionary Training Center is also located in La Molina, just a short drive from the temple.
Temple Facts
The Lima Peru Temple was the third temple built in South America, following the São Paulo Brazil Temple (1978) and the Santiago Chile Temple (1983), and the first built in Peru.
Notes
- “News of the Church,” Ensign, Jan. 1986, 79
See also
External links
- Official LDS Lima Peru Temple page
- Lima Peru Temple page
- Mormon Temple Ordinances - ReligionFacts
- Mormon Temples - Lightplanet
- Resources about the History and Symbolism of Mormon Temples
- Mormon Missionaries - BBC Religion & Ethics
- Joseph Smith - American Prophet
- A video about the Lima Peru Temple
