The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on April 3, 2016, during general conference.[8][9] The Quito Ecuador and Harare Zimbabwe temples, along with a second temple in Lima, Peru, were announced at the same time.[8] Construction of the temple was expected to employ roughly 1,700 workers throughout all construction stages.[10]
There were more than 1.3 million church members in Brazil at the time of the temple's announcement,[9] with over 1.4 million at the time of its completion in 2022.[11] The church's ninth to be built in Brazil, the temple's groundbreaking was held on August 17, 2019, with Marcos A. Aidukaitis, president of the BrazilArea, presiding.[12]
Following completion of construction, a public open house was held from October 22-November 5, 2022.[13] The temple was dedicated in three sessions on 20 November 2022 by Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.[3]
Design and architecture
The temple is on a 6.7-acre plot,[14] with its architecture reflecting both the cultural heritage of the Belem region and the spiritual significance of the church.
The temple has a single attached central spire with a statue of the angel Moroni[15] is 89 feet tall, and is constructed with Brazilian granite, like many of Brazil's other temples.[13] The exterior has geometric design elements inspired by Marajoara indigenous pottery and the Victoria amazonica, which is also featured throughout the art glass designs.[3][15] The blue, green, yellow and pink colors used were inspired from the Amazon rainforest.[15] The church consulted Brazilian landscape experts to help identify the native species that would best fit the design.[15]
The interior features interior artwork and decorations were inspired by Pará's culture and landscape.[10] The interior decorations include flooring with national porcelain tile, carpet carvings made by a local craftsman, and entry rugs that mimic the design of the exterior art glass.[16]
The design uses elements representing the heritage and natural landscape of Belem, to provide spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and includes the exterior art glass windows, which feature a design and color palette inspired by the rainforest that surrounds the temple.[14][16]
Temple presidents
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[17] Since its 2022 dedication, the president and matron are J. Joel Fernandes and Maristela A. Fernandes.[17][18]
Admittance
Prior to the dedication, a public open house was held from October 22-November 5, 2022 (excluding Sundays).[13] The temple was dedicated in three sessions by Dale G. Renlund on November 20, 2022.[19]
Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[13][20]
