Veracruz Mexico Temple Wiki

The Church announced on 14 April 1999 that a temple would be built near the Mexican port city of Veracruz, Veracruz.

Mexico Temples at Time of Announcement

Announced

• Monterrey Mexico
• Guadalajara Mexico

Under Construction

• Oaxaca Mexico
• Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• Mérida Mexico
• Villahermosa Mexico
• Ciudad Juárez Mexico
• Hermosillo Mexico
• Tampico Mexico

Dedicated

• Colonia Juárez Mexico [1998]
• Mexico City Mexico [1984]

A groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication for the Veracruz Mexico Temple were held on 29 May 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.

In his remarks at the groundbreaking services, Elder Pratt spoke of the early members in Veracruz, who understood the importance of the temple and sacrificed to travel to the Mesa Arizona Temple. Their sacrifice helped prepare the members here for this day. He requested that in preparation for the new temple that members travel more frequently to the Mexico City Mexico Temple, to increase their family history work and to add to the number of people with temple blessings. “We are in the true Church,” he said. “We are preparing the earth for the Second Coming, and with the temple we will be better prepared to do so.”

Elder Octaviano Tenorio, an Area Authority Seventy and second counselor in the area presidency, spoke at the groundbreaking as well. Citing the scripture, Moses 1:39, he discussed the principle of eternal life. He said because of the temple the way to gain eternal life is opened. He added that families are of great importance. “The Lord has established [families] for the happiness of His children. They will be able to endure through the eternities through the ordinances of the temple, if they are sealed”.^[1]Church News, 12 June 1999

The temple was open for tours to the public from 26 June through 1 July 2000. More than 10,000 people toured the temple during this time.

Thomas S. Monson, then first counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Veracruz temple on 9 July 2000, A Cornerstone ceremony was held prior to the commencement of the first session in the rain.^[3]Swenson, Jason, “Temple reflects generosity, beauty of Veracruz saints,“Church News, Deseret News, 13 July 2000. Accessed 6 October 2018.

Four sessions were held and more than 5,000 members attended. During the dedicatory prayer, President Monson prayed, “bless this great nation of Mexico. Bless the officers of the government that they may be friendly to Thy people. We pray that Thy Saints may prosper in this good land, that they may be released from the shackles of poverty, that they may go forward with faith, with a crown of righteousness upon their heads, to do Thy will and build Thy kingdom.” ^[4]“News of the Church,” Ensign, Oct. 2000, 74^[5]”Veracruz Mexico: ‘May Thy work grow and strengthen‘”, Church News, July 15, 2000

The temple site is 3.39 acres, which includes a meetinghouse. The Veracruz temple is located in the adjacent city of Boca del Río some 10 km south of downtown Veracruz.  Prior to this temple being built, local members had to travel to the Mesa Arizona Temple in the United States.

Cladding

Blanco Guardiano white marble from Torreon, Mexico.^[8]”Veracruz Mexico Temple: Facts and figures” Church News, Deseret News, 17 July 2000. Accessed 6 October 2018

The Veracruz México Temple has a total of 10,700 square feet (990 m2), two ordinance rooms, and two sealing rooms.^[9] “Facts and figures: Veracruz Mexico Temple”, Church News, July 15, 2000

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Creation Room

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Garden Room

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World Room

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Terrestrial Room

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