Location
Bolonia 1722
Carrasco
11500 Montevideo
Uruguay
Contact
Telephone: (598) 2-604-2212
Facsimile: (598) 2-606-1088
Distribution Services: (598) 2-600-8515
Details
Announcement: 2 November 1998
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 27 April 1999 by Richard G. Scott
Public Open House: 28 February–10 March 2001
Dedication: 18 March 2001 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Site: 1.59 acres.
Exterior Finish: Asa branca granite.
Ordinance Rooms: Two ordinance rooms (two-stage progressive) and two sealing.
Total Floor Area: 10,700 square feet.
Temple Facts:
The Montevideo Uruguay Temple was the first temple built in Uruguay.
Temple History:
The Montevideo Uruguay Temple site is on property acquired by the Church in the 1960s and known locally as "Mormon grounds." It also houses two mission headquarters, a distribution center and Church offices.
"When the House of the Lord is completed, it will have an impact on all the nation. I have seen it in other nations, where members have eagerly attended the temple. The Spirit that comes affects not just the members, but all of the nation. This is a day of tremendous importance for Uruguay," said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve who presided at the temple's groundbreaking ceremony.
As a former missionary in Uruguay, Elder Scott remembered his missionary experiences during his remarks. "Forty-eight years ago, I stepped down from a boat in Montevideo and began a stage in my life that I have treasured." He expressed appreciation to those in attendance for their faithful lives, and noted that "you represent a much larger number of members. Where I once served as president of the Montevideo District, now I see many worthy families, many missionaries, many stakes in the blossoming of the work. I am grateful to the Lord for what was done; it is as leaven for the entire country. I pray that the Lord will be with you in your preparations to enjoy the blessings of the temple."
Elder Carlos H. Amado of the Seventy and president of the South America South Area, who offered the site's prayer, said, "For the adults, this is the completion of a dream, but for the children it is a start of a new era. Those who are pioneers have seen much, but the most fantastic things the pioneers have seen will not be anything compared with that which the children here will see. They will see much more, and they will do much more than the pioneer members. The temple will be constructed for you to serve your many ancestors. Filled with faith, they came to this land and founded this nation with the desire to know God and worship Him in liberty. Many of these immigrants were guided by the Spirit of the Lord to come to this land; many of them do not have the gospel, but their names exist, and the work for their redemption is accelerating" (Church News, 15 May 1999).