Where It's Located
The Asunción Paraguay Temple is located at the corner of Avenida España and Avenida Brasilia in the Mariscal López neighborhood of Asunción, Paraguay's capital city. The temple sits near the center of the city on a shared Church property that also includes a meetinghouse, Church offices, a distribution center, and patron housing. The meetinghouse, known locally as Capilla Moroni, incorporates part of a former residential mansion that was acquired to expand the temple property.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), located northeast of downtown Asunción. Travelers from the United States typically reach Asunción by connecting through major international hubs such as Panama City, São Paulo, or other South American gateway cities before arriving in Paraguay. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Asunción Paraguay Temple was announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley during the April 2000 General Conference. Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on February 3, 2001, with Elder Jay E. Jensen presiding. The temple welcomed visitors during a public open house from May 4–11, 2002, before being dedicated on May 19, 2002, by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
The temple holds a special place in Church history as the first temple built in Paraguay. It was constructed on the site of the country's first meetinghouse built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was completed in 1964. The original meetinghouse was removed to make way for the temple and a new chapel.
In 2017, the temple closed for an extensive renovation. After nearly two years of improvements, the public was invited to tour the renovated temple during another open house in October 2019. Elder D. Todd Christofferson rededicated the temple on November 3, 2019.
Design and Architecture
The Asunción Paraguay Temple occupies a 1.13-acre site and contains approximately 11,906 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished with light gray Asa Branca Brazilian granite, giving the temple a bright and elegant appearance. A single attached spire topped with an angel Moroni statue rises about 71 feet above the surrounding neighborhood.
Inside, the temple includes two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Although modest in size, its thoughtful design has served members throughout Paraguay for more than two decades and continues to be an important landmark for the Church in the country.
Final Thoughts
The Asunción Paraguay Temple represents a significant milestone in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paraguay. As the nation's first temple, it has blessed generations of members and continues to serve as a place of worship in the heart of Asunción. Its central location, rich history, and classic architectural design make it a meaningful destination for those visiting temples throughout South America.
Scott & Riah
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