MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - Mormon Temple
"Members of the [Mormon] Church have been commanded to stand in holy places, such as this Temple, in order to withstand the evils of the latter days. This Temple will serve as a remembrance to Mexican members that families are to be eternal. God has not left man alone in this world…"1 spoke President Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of the Twelve at the dedication of the Mexico City Mexico Mormon Temple.
The announcement to build a Mormon Temple in Mexico came in April 1976 with the dedication taking place eight years later in 1983.
Plans to build the Temple in the Republic of Mexico was not to be an easy one; insurmountable obstacles seemed to thwart the plans from every which way.
In 1976 foreign missionaries were not officially recognized in Mexico, and mandatory laws required all buildings to be open to the public. Mormons believe that Mormon Temples are literal houses of the Lord and only those who prove themselves worthy through their local bishop and stake president may enter the Temple.) Laws changed in ways, which were encouraging for the Mormon Church, and the necessary building permits were approved in 1979.
Importing the necessary building materials and furnishings proved to be another obstacle. Only the finest of materials are used in the Mormon Temples, thus the Church leaders requested an exemption from the importation law, as well as importing the materials without tax. Church leaders fasted and prayed and presented their request to the proper government authorities. Amazingly, the requests were approved and signed. Government leaders commented that they ‘could not understand why they had changed their mind and sided with the Church.’2
Emil Fetzer was the architect assigned to draw up plans for the Mormon Temple in Mexico City. Of the four designs, which were presented, one was of a Mayan architecture. As the First Presidency studied each of the proposed designs, they felt that the one with the Mayan influence was the one more suited to Mexico and its surroundings.
Since its dedication in 1983, the Mexico City Mormon Temple has proved to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Faced with white cast stone and white marble chips, the Temple is the fifth largest Mormon Temple in the Church and the largest Temple outside the United States.
For more information on the Mormon Church or Mormon Temples, please see the following websites:
Mormon Church
Mormon Temples