Ever wonder what it takes to build a beacon of faith? Today we explore the C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple. It stands as a testament to the growing presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina.
The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple is located in the Villa Belgrano neighborhood. Before this temple existed, members in northern Argentina traveled 400 miles to Buenos Aires. This new temple significantly eased that journey.
President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple’s construction on October 4, 2008. This announcement occurred during the Church’s 178th Semiannual General Conference. The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple became the second temple in Argentina.
The groundbreaking took place on October 30, 2010. Neil L. Andersen presided over this event. The temple stands adjacent to the Argentina C\u00f3rdoba Mission headquarters. Interestingly, the site once housed one of the first chapels in C\u00f3rdoba.
An open house was held from April 17 to May 2, 2015. Almost 50000 people attended this event. The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple was formally dedicated on May 17, 2015. Dieter F. Uchtdorf dedicated it in three sessions.
The 34369-square-foot temple sits on 5.18 acres. Local trees and plants enhance the landscaping. Inside, you’ll find wood paneling and marble flooring. Floral accents and art-glass windows add to the beauty. The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple includes a baptistry and a celestial room. Sealing rooms and instruction rooms are also present.
The gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was placed atop the spire on August 13, 2014.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson reflected on his time as a missionary. He served in the same area where the temple now stands. He called the temple a miracle. He noted that it was beyond his “fondest imaginations”.
President Uchtdorf dedicated the temple on Ascension Day. He said the temple is a connection between Earth and Heaven.
The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple is the 145th operating temple of the Church. It serves the northwest half of Argentina.
The C\u00f3rdoba Argentina Temple temporarily closed in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.