Veracruz, Mexico - Mormon Temple
The Veracruz Mexico Mormon temple was announced on April 14, 1999. The Veracruz temple is the 93rd operating Mormon temple worldwide. Many members in the area rejoiced at learning that a temple would be so close, especially those who were among the first members in the area. These members had sacrificed greatly to travel to the Arizona temple to be sealed to their families.
The Mormon Church is very strong in Veracruz, even though it is young. The first Mormon missionaries didn’t arrive in Veracruz until 1955. Maria Romero was the first person to join the Church in Veracruz. She was so determined to be baptized that even though she was 87 years old she waded out into the Jamapa River. The first meetinghouse was built in 1961. 674 people attended the dedication of the meetinghouse only 379 were members. This shows how many were interested in learning more about the gospel. After the dedication of the meetinghouse the missionary work in the area grew rapidly.
A groundbreaking ceremony and sited dedication were held on May 29, 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. The temple site is 3.39 acres, which includes a meetinghouse.
The Mormon temple was open for tours to the public June 26th through July 1, 2000. Those who attended the open house were able to explore the 10,700 square foot building and learn more about Mormon beliefs. More than 10,000 people toured the temple.
Member of the First Presidency, Thomas S. Monson, dedicated the Veracruz temple on July 9, 2000. 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." The Veracruz temple serves nine stakes, two districts and two branches in the area.