Where It's Located
The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple is located at Avenida Melchor Urquidi 1500 in the Alto Queru Queru neighborhood of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The temple sits on a 6.51-acre site and includes an arrival center, patron housing, and a distribution center. Positioned in one of Bolivia's largest cities, the temple serves members throughout the country.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB), located just a few miles from the temple. Travelers from the United States typically reach Cochabamba by connecting through major South American gateways such as Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Lima, Bogotá, or São Paulo before continuing on a domestic flight. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple was announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley on January 13, 1995. It became the first temple built in Bolivia, eliminating the need for many Bolivian members to travel long distances to the Lima Peru Temple for temple ordinances.
Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on November 10, 1996, with President Gordon B. Hinckley presiding. During the ceremony, he encouraged members to remain worthy and prepare for the blessings the temple would bring to Bolivia. Following a public open house held April 18–22, 2000, President Hinckley dedicated the temple on April 30, 2000, making it the 82nd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
One distinctive feature of the temple's location is its proximity to Cristo de la Concordia, the massive statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Cochabamba from San Pedro Hill. The statue is recognized as one of the tallest statues of Christ in the world and is visible from the temple grounds.
Design and Architecture
The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple contains approximately 35,500 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished with a blend of hand-hewn Comanche granite and plaster. The design features a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers, topped with an angel Moroni statue, giving the temple a distinctive appearance among the Church's temples.
Inside, the temple includes two instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Located at an elevation of approximately 8,697 feet, the temple sits high in the Andes Mountains, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Final Thoughts
The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple represents an important milestone in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bolivia. As the nation's first temple, it brought temple worship much closer to thousands of faithful members and continues to serve Latter-day Saints throughout the country. Its unique architecture, mountain setting, and historic significance make it a memorable destination for anyone visiting temples in South America.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
0 comments