Mendoza Argentina Temple
On 7 October 2018, at the conclusion of the 188th semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson announced that a temple will be built in the city of Mendoza, Argentina.
On Tuesday, 23 June 2020, the Church released an exterior rendering showing the planned design of the Mendoza Argentina Temple. The temple will be the fourth Latter-day Saint temple to be constructed in the nation of Argentina. Other Latter-day Saint temples in the country include the Salta Argentina Temple (construction began in November 2020), the Córdoba Argentina Temple (dedicated in 2015), and the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple (dedicated in 1986; rededicated in 2012).
The Mendoza Argentina Temple will be constructed in the Champagnat neighborhood on the western edge of the beautiful suburb of Las Heras, a community that borders Mendoza to the north. Plans call for a single-story building of approximately 21,000 square feet. The classically proportioned yet modern single-spire design was chosen to complement the city of Mendoza. An adjacent meetinghouse and temple patron housing will also be built on the site.
Detailed design plans for the temple are still being developed. Project leaders are in the process of working with city officials on the permitting process. Further information will be made public later. A groundbreaking date has not been set.
There are approximately 475,000 Latter-day Saints in "Tierra Argentina" (in English: "Land of Silver") who attend more than 730 Latter-day Saint congregations across the country. Members in Mendoza currently travel over 400 miles (650 km) to attend temple services at the Córdoba Argentina Temple.
Details for the open house and temple dedication upon its completion will be announced on a future date.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Mendoza Argentina Temple
On Thursday, 17 December 2020, a small group of Latter-day Saint leaders in Mendoza, Argentina, gathered to break ground for the Mendoza Argentina Temple. Attendance was limited due to the local government’s social distancing guidelines.
Elder Allen D. Haynie, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South America South Area Presidency, offered the dedicatory prayer and presided over the ceremony.
In his remarks, Elder Haynie said, "Everything in the temple teaches us about Christ and about His central role in God´s plan for our happiness. Everything in the temple motivates us to become more like Him."
Elder Haynie was joined by his wife, Deborah Haynie. She also spoke at the event and extended a special invitation to Latter-day Saint youth. Dhe said, "I would like to direct some of my thoughts to the Church's youth. Your family needs you – your ancestors, your current family and your future family. . . .Learn more about family history work for the next few years and fall in love with it. If you do that, when the temple’s doors open, you can help carry out ordinances on their behalf."
Abril Manzur, a Church member from Maipú de Cuyo, shared, "Knowing that there will be a temple in Mendoza, just miles from our homes, is such a huge blessing for which I am grateful." Maximiliano Sotar, a young Latter-day Saint from Mendoza, commented, "During our lives, at one moment or another, we ask ourselves what life's purpose is, where we come from and why we are here. This is where this beautiful building will obtain value in our lives … temples are recognized as sanctuaries of faith, peace and learning."
