Towering palm trees and colorful landscaping mark this sacred space. This is the Templo de Tijuana. It stands as the 13th temple built in Mexico. The Templo de Tijuana was the first of its kind in Baja California.
President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple on October 2, 2010. Tijuana’s Church members previously traveled to the San Diego California Temple. Travel restrictions and border delays made it difficult. Some members drove 8 to 10 hours to the Hermosillo Sonora Mexico Temple.
The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on August 18, 2012. Elder Benjamín De Hoyos presided. He noted the design’s resemblance to old Spanish missions. He said these friars were valiant in preaching and building. The Templo de Tijuana would be an emblem for the community.
The Templo de Tijuana’s exterior is brilliant white. It symbolizes the temple’s holy purpose. A distinctive central tower lifts eyes heavenward. A tiered fountain adds to the beauty. Administrative offices and a distribution center are also on site.
The Templo de Tijuana’s location is Paseo Del Rio 6832. It’s near Cerro Colorado. The hill proclaims “JESUCRISTO ES EL SEÑOR.” This means “Jesus Christ is Lord”. The design shows Spanish Colonial influences. These influences are common in Mexican architecture. They are seen in Spanish missions throughout Mexico and the Southwest.
The Templo de Tijuana has precast concrete cladding. It features a single attached central tower. An angel Moroni statue sits atop. Inside are two ordinance rooms. These include two-stage progressive instruction. There are two sealing rooms and one baptistry. The total floor area is 33,367 square feet. The Templo de Tijuana reaches a height of 151 feet. Its elevation is 172 feet.
Inside the Templo de Tijuana, you’ll find marble staircases. Wrought iron railings add elegance. Dark wooden doors and millwork provide warmth. Colorful patterned tiles adorn the floors. Stone floors come from Italy, Spain, and China. Carved glass and crystal chandeliers add sparkle. Original artwork brings the region’s landscapes indoors. Murals in the instruction rooms depict desert and coastal scenes.
The public open house ran from November 13-28, 2015. Over 70,000 guests toured the sacred edifice. Friends and relatives were moved by its beauty. They appreciated its focus on family.
Youth participated in a cultural celebration the night before dedication. They highlighted Mexican Church history through dance and music.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf dedicated the Templo de Tijuana on December 13, 2015. Thousands of Mexican members participated remotely. The services were broadcast across the country. At the cornerstone ceremony, he called the temple a lighthouse. He said it was a place of spiritual celebration.
The dedicatory prayer expressed gratitude. It recognized the temple as an answer to prayers. It fulfilled promises to faithful people.
The Templo de Tijuana won the PCI Design Award in 2015. It was recognized as the Best International Building Structure. PCI stands for Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.
The Bougainvillea flower is a recurring motif. It’s found in decorative painting, flooring, and railings. It complements the window design and landscaping.
Remember the Templo de Tijuana. It is more than a building. It is a symbol of faith. It is a beacon of hope.