Guadaquil, Ecuador - Mormon Temple
In 1982, President Spencer W. Kimball, then President of the Mormon Church, announced that there would be a Mormon Temple built in Ecuador. However, it took fourteen years to secure the necessary government authorizations and the Temple was not completed and dedicated until 1999.
Ecuador is a land of faithful members; before the Temple in Ecuador was finished, the members would travel by bus to attend the Lima Peru Temple which would take three days one way, one to two days in the Temple, and then another three days on the bus back to their homes. Area representative Elder Jensen remarked that, "We just marvel at their faith. It almost makes you weep when you see the sacrifices they make in order to go to the Temple for their one time. Some will return during their lifetime, but not many."1
Why would these Ecuadorians and others around the world make such a sacrifice to attend the Mormon Temple? Because truths are taught and ordinances are performed that bring knowledge of things eternal. Those who come to the temple make sacred promises of honesty, chastity, and service to God and to others. These commitments become anchors of stability in daily living and lead to God’s eternal blessings.
When the announcement was made for a Mormon Temple in Ecuador the members rejoiced. Now, they would be able to attend the Temple more often and at less expense.
The Ecuador Temple sits on a quiet peaceful section of northern Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Fertile volcanic soil and bounteous rain create a perfect setting for the landscape of this beautiful Temple, and has been described by many as, "the most beautiful building in Ecuador."1
Before the Mormon Temple was dedicated an open house was available to all in the community, including government officials. Over one hundred thousand members and nonmembers came to support the arrival of the Mormon Temple in their country.
After waiting seventeen years, faithful members of the Mormon Church would have done nearly anything to show their love of the Temple. For example, some walked six miles at night so they could arrive at the Temple by 5a.m. to begin their volunteer work of cleaning the Temple. That evening, they walked back to their homes.2
The Guayaquil, Ecuador Mormon Temple, was dedicated on 21, August 1999 by President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley commented to those in attendance, "This is a day of history. This is a day to be remembered by [Mormons] for many years to come, when for the first time in all of Ecuadorian history a Temple will be dedicated to carry forward His eternal purposes. We are blessed, so richly blessed."3
Gustavo Maruri, a longtime member of the Mormon Church shared his feelings about the Temple: "…I look up early in the morning and see the statue of the Angel Moroni standing way up there, the fulfillment of our faith, our work, [and] our efforts."4