Panama City Panama Temple Wiki
Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
23 August 2002
ANNOUNCED BY
First Presidency
GROUNDBREAKING
30 October 2005
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
Elder Spencer V. Jones
DEDICATED
10 August 2008 by
DEDICATED BY
President Thomas S. Monson
DEDICATION ORDER
127
LOCATION
Calle Rufina Alfaro #3172
Hacia La Villa de Cardenas
Corozal
Ancon, Provincia de Panamá
Panama
PHONE
(+507) 201-6233
Description
The Panama City Panama Temple is the 127th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Located in Cárdenas, a suburb of Panama City, it is the first church temple in Panama. The temple is located on a hill adjacent to the Church’s Cárdenas Ward meetinghouse and can visibly be seen by travelers from the canal and across the country. The Panama City Panama Temple serves Latter-day Saints in all of Panama. There are 39,000 Latter-day Saints in Panama in seven stakes and eight mission districts.
History
The first congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Panama was organized in 1941.
2000
During a conference held in December 2000, President Gordon B. Hinckley told over 4,500 members of Panama that “If you will pay your tithing and keep the other commandments, we will find a way to build a temple in Panama.” He told them “But we can’t do it unless you do your part. The temple will cost much, much, much more than you will pay in tithing, but that will come about as a gift of the Church, as a blessing from the Lord, because you have exercised the faith to keep that sacred law.”[1]Church News Archives. “Two New Temples Announced.” Church News, 11 January 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2002/9/14/23241673/two-new-temples-announced.
Announcement
The intent to build the temple was announced by the First Presidency on 23 August 2002, in a letter to local church leaders.[2]”Two new temples announced”, Church News, p. 13, September 14, 2002, archived from the original on 2019-05-01, retrieved 2012-10-1, https://web.archive.org/web/20190501193034/https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2002-09-14/two-new-temples-announced-222636.[3]”New Temples Announced”, Ensign, December 2002, retrieved 2012-10-16, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/12/news-of-the-church/new-temples-announced?lang=eng
ANNOUNCED ORDER
127
| Date | 2002 08 23 |
| By | First Presidency |
| Role | # |
| Via | Letter to Local Leaders |
⮜Preceded by Curitiba Brazil
Followed by Rexburg Idaho⮞
Announced 2002 08 23
Groundbreaking
Ground was broken and the site was dedicated on 30 October 2005, by Spencer V. Jones, a member of the church’s Second Quorum of the Seventy and the president of the church’s Central America Area.[4]”Ground Broken for Panamá City Panamá Temple,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org 11 Nov. 2005. Hurricane Beta lingered over the coasts of Panama and Costa Rica the day before the groundbreaking, but by the next day it had moved north leaving a beautiful sky enjoyed by those in attendance.
GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
127
| Date | 2005 10 30 |
| By | Spencer V. Jones |
| Role | Seventy |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceded by Rexburg Idaho
Followed by Twin Falls Idaho⮞
Moroni
On Friday, May 4, 2007, a figure of the angel Moroni was installed atop the single central spire of the temple. Members reported that the Moroni setting was a glorious occasion for all the Saints of Panama. They thrill in having this symbol of the restoration in their own country.[5]Giovanni Roberto Samaniego, “Panama’s Temple Construction Photos,” Email to Rick Satterfield, 5 May 2007.
Open House
The open house for the temple began on the July 11 and ended on July 26, 2008. The public open house of the Panama City Panama Temple saw nearly 33,000 visitors tour the interior of the sacred edifice before its dedication.[6]Jason Swensen, “Panama temple is ready for dedication,” Church News 9 Aug. 2008. Approximately 5,000 people visited during the first two days and roughly 10,000 during the final two days.[7]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
The open house received media attention, including a front-page story in Panama’s largest newspaper, La Prensa.[8]Swensen, Jason, “Panama open house a ‘marvelous event'”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/21/20379830/panama-open-house-a-marvelous-event/.
A radio commentator told his audience that visiting the temple would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.[9]Swensen, Jason, “Panama open house a ‘marvelous event'”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/21/20379830/panama-open-house-a-marvelous-event/.
Among the distinguished visitors was Panama’s First Lady, Vivian Fernández de Torrijos, who toured the temple with Don R. Clarke, then serving as president of the Central America Area.[10]Swensen, Jason, “Panama open house a ‘marvelous event'”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/21/20379830/panama-open-house-a-marvelous-event/.
| Start Date | 2008 07 11 |
| End Date | 2008 07 26 |
| Days | 14 |
| Attendees | 33,000 |
| Per day | 2,357 |
Cultural Celebration
On Saturday evening, August 9, 2008, a Cultural Celebration was held the evening before the dedication of Panama’s “temple in the jungle”—a reference to its rainforest location. A thousand Panamanian youth filled the floor of the Figali Convention Center in Amador thrilled to perform for an audience of thousands of fellow Saints including Church President Thomas S. Monson and his second counselor, Dieter F. Uchtdorf. “I’ve long wanted to come to Panama,” President Monson said, noting his arrival that day was his first steps on Panamanian soil. A rich and colorful variety of cultural dances and local folklore culminated in a message of leaving cultural differences behind to unite as one—a fitting honor to the work performed within the temple walls.[11]Carole Mikita, “Cultural celebration precedes dedication of Panama temple,” KSL.com 9 Aug. 2008, https://www.ksl.com/article/3976654/cultural-celebration-precedes-dedication-of-panama-temple.[12]”Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Panama City and Brazil Temples”. Meridian Magazine. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://latterdaysaintmag.com/article-1-2997/.[13]Swensen, Jason (August 11, 2008). “LDS Church’s 127th temple is dedicated in Panama”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2012-10-16, https://www.deseret.com/2008/8/11/20268614/lds-church-s-127th-temple-is-dedicated-in-panama/.
Cornerstone
Dedication day commenced with the traditional cornerstone ceremony, which proceeded to a backdrop of storming rains. The choir remained unfazed by the roar of thunder—its beautiful melodies ringing through the humid air. Delighted children from the congregation joined President Monson at his bidding to seal the cornerstone of the temple.[14]Jason Swensen, “LDS Church’s 127th temple is dedicated in Panama,” Deseret News 11 Aug. 2008.
Dedication
The temple was dedicated by Thomsas S. Monson on 10 August 2008 in four sessions.
The sessions were broadcast to all stake centers in Panama. Second Counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles along with members of the area presidency also participated in the dedication.[15]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/.
DEDICATION ORDER
127
| Date | 2008 08 10 |
| By | Thomsas S. Mons |
| Role | President |
| Sessions | 4 |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceeded by Curitiba Brazil
Followed by Twin Falls Idaho⮞
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | 3 y, 2 m, 7 d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 2 y, 9 m, 11 d |
| Announced to Dedication | 5 y, 11 m, 18 d |
Dedicatory Order
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REGION
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COUNTRY
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STATE
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COUNTY
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CITY
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Summary
The Panama City Panama Temple was the third temple built in Central America, following the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple (1984) and the San José Costa Rica Temple (2000), and the first built in Panama. It is the church’s 127th operating temple worldwide.
Detail
Announced
- text
- text
Under Construction
- text
- text
Under Renovation
- text
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Firsts
- President Thomas S. Monson’s trip to dedicate the Panama City Panama Temple was his first time in the country of Panama.
Presidents
| Temple President | Temple Matron | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| Roberto Muñoz Ortega | Raquel Velásquez Cárdenas de Muñoz | 2025–2025 |
| Luis Javier García Castillo | María Isabel Deago Ortega de García | 2022–2025 |
| Rick Lynn Smith | Lynda Lee Smith | 2019–2022 |
| William Halbert Wingo | Ester Joy Nelson Wingo | 2016–2019 |
| Hugo Boren | Camille Christensen Boren | 2013–2016 |
| D Chad Richardson | Elizabeth Blackhurst Richardson | 2010–2013 |
| Ronald Dee Jamison | Mary Ann Wood Jamison | 2008–2010 |
Details
Location
The Temple sits 6.96-acre site in Cárdenas, a suburb of Panama City, on a tree-covered hillside overlooking the Panama Canal and the North Pacific Ocean.[16]”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19, http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/additional-resource/panama-city-panama-temple-facts. The landscaping, designed by SolMar, has palm trees, foliage, and a water feature.[17]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/.[18]”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19, http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/additional-resource/panama-city-panama-temple-facts. Adjacent to the temple is a meetinghouse, and a facility at the rear of the property provides housing for the temple’s presidency, missionaries, and patrons.
Also on the site is the Cárdenas meetinghouse, which was extensively remodeled during the temple’s construction.
The temple’s location makes it visible to travelers from the Panama Canal and across the surrounding area.[19]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/.[20]Noya, Dalis De (2005-11-12). “Idyllic setting for Panama temple”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19 https://www.deseret.com/2005/11/12/20791105/idyllic-setting-for-panama-temple/.
Location
| Latitude | # |
| Longitude | # |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 121 | 37 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 6.96 | 2.8 |
Exterior
It is 111 feet tall[21]”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
Cladding
Exterior walls of the house of the Lord were made with China stone.
Water Course
Windows
Art Glass was used for all windows.
Spandrel panel
Exterior Finish
text
Architectural Features
text
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | # | # |
| To Shoulder | # | # |
| Width | # | # |
| Length | # | # |
| Footprint | # | # |
Spires and Moroni
Spire
The temple has a single central spire with a statue of the angel Moroni on its top
Moroni
On May 4, 2007, a statue of the angel Moroni was added to the temple’s spire.
Interior
The Temple is 18,943 square feet.[22]”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
The temple has two ordinance rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry.[23]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/. The interior includes original murals created for the temple by Utah artist Linda Christiansen.[24]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/. The wooden doors and decorations are made from Panama mahogany, while the floors and countertops throughout the temple are made with Spanish stone.[25]”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19. A wood inlay design of the Peristeria elata flower, Panama’s national flower, exists on a chair in the bride’s room.[26]”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/.
Entry
text
| Area | 18,943 f2 (1,760 m2) |
| Floors above grade | |
| Floors below Grade | |
| Baptistries | |
| Initiatories | |
| Endowment Rooms | |
| Sealing Rooms |
Baptistry
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| Baptistries: | |
| Location: | |
| Exterior Windows: | |
| Artwork: | |
| Artwork Type: | |
| Oxen: | |
| Type: | |
| Hoof: | |
| Color: | |
| Layout: | |
| Font Exterior: | |
| Interior: | |
| Shape: | |
| Bowl Shape: | |
| Pillar: | |
| Stairs: | |
| Font Well: |
Initiatory Spaces
text
| Style | detached, attached, combined |
| Type | stationary, progressive |
| Rooms | # |
Instruction Rooms
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| Rooms | # |
| Type | # |
| Capacity | # |
| Murals | y/n |
| Total Muraled Rooms | # |
| Mural Type |
Celestial Room
text-images
Sealing Room
text-images
| Sealing Rooms | |
| Largest Capacity |
Assembly Hall
Individuals and Contractors
Architect
It was designed by the architectural firm Mallol & Mallol of Panama City and Naylor Wentworth Lund of Salt Lake City.
Projects by Mallol Arquitectos
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Panamá City Panamá | 2002-2008 |
| San Pedro Sula Honduras | 2019 |
| Torreon Mexico | 2021 |
| Puebla Mexico | 2018-2024 |
Projects by NWL Architects
General Contractor
Construction was done by Diaz and Guardia Panama.
Region
TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA by country
Total: 209
Sources and Links
References
| ↑1 | Church News Archives. “Two New Temples Announced.” Church News, 11 January 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2002/9/14/23241673/two-new-temples-announced. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | ”Two new temples announced”, Church News, p. 13, September 14, 2002, archived from the original on 2019-05-01, retrieved 2012-10-1, https://web.archive.org/web/20190501193034/https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2002-09-14/two-new-temples-announced-222636. |
| ↑3 | ”New Temples Announced”, Ensign, December 2002, retrieved 2012-10-16, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/12/news-of-the-church/new-temples-announced?lang=eng |
| ↑4 | ”Ground Broken for Panamá City Panamá Temple,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org 11 Nov. 2005. |
| ↑5 | Giovanni Roberto Samaniego, “Panama’s Temple Construction Photos,” Email to Rick Satterfield, 5 May 2007. |
| ↑6 | Jason Swensen, “Panama temple is ready for dedication,” Church News 9 Aug. 2008. |
| ↑7 | ”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19. |
| ↑8, ↑9, ↑10 | Swensen, Jason, “Panama open house a ‘marvelous event'”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/21/20379830/panama-open-house-a-marvelous-event/. |
| ↑11 | Carole Mikita, “Cultural celebration precedes dedication of Panama temple,” KSL.com 9 Aug. 2008, https://www.ksl.com/article/3976654/cultural-celebration-precedes-dedication-of-panama-temple. |
| ↑12 | ”Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Panama City and Brazil Temples”. Meridian Magazine. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://latterdaysaintmag.com/article-1-2997/. |
| ↑13 | Swensen, Jason (August 11, 2008). “LDS Church’s 127th temple is dedicated in Panama”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2012-10-16, https://www.deseret.com/2008/8/11/20268614/lds-church-s-127th-temple-is-dedicated-in-panama/. |
| ↑14 | Jason Swensen, “LDS Church’s 127th temple is dedicated in Panama,” Deseret News 11 Aug. 2008. |
| ↑15, ↑17, ↑19, ↑23, ↑24, ↑26 | ”Panama City Panama Temple | Church News Almanac”. Church News. Retrieved 2025-11-19, https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/panama-city-panama/. |
| ↑16, ↑18 | ”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19, http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/additional-resource/panama-city-panama-temple-facts. |
| ↑20 | Noya, Dalis De (2005-11-12). “Idyllic setting for Panama temple”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-11-19 https://www.deseret.com/2005/11/12/20791105/idyllic-setting-for-panama-temple/. |
| ↑21, ↑22, ↑25 | ”Panama City Panama Temple Facts”. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2025-11-19. |
Last updated on: 14 December 2025