Where It's Located
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple is located at Avenida Universidad #139, Fracc. Real de Candiani, 68130 Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico. Situated in the southern part of Oaxaca de Juárez, the temple serves members throughout the state of Oaxaca and neighboring regions. The temple sits on a beautifully landscaped 1.87-acre (0.8-hectare) property. The grounds include a distribution center, though there is no visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), officially known as Xoxocotlán International Airport, located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Oaxaca through nonstop or connecting flights from cities such as Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, and other major hubs, often connecting through Mexico City. From the airport, the temple is typically a 15- to 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple was announced by the First Presidency on February 23, 1999, during President Gordon B. Hinckley's historic temple expansion. It became the 74th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of several temples built throughout Mexico to bring temple worship closer to members.
Groundbreaking services were held on March 13, 1999, with Elder Carl B. Pratt, President of the Mexico South Area, presiding. Interestingly, the groundbreaking took place on the same day as the Kona Hawaii Temple and the Nashville Tennessee Temple. Following a five-day public open house from February 28 through March 4, 2000, President James E. Faust dedicated the temple on March 11, 2000. Before its completion, many members in southern Mexico traveled long distances to attend the Mexico City Mexico Temple.
Design and Architecture
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple contains approximately 10,700 square feet (994 square meters) of floor space. Its exterior is finished with elegant white marble from Torreón, Mexico, and features a single attached spire topped with an angel Moroni statue. The temple follows the smaller standardized design introduced during the late 1990s, allowing temples to be constructed more quickly and closer to members throughout the world.
Inside, the temple includes two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Though modest in size, the temple provides a peaceful and reverent setting for worship. Its carefully maintained landscaping complements the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca, a region known worldwide for its indigenous traditions, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts.
Final Thoughts
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple stands as an important milestone in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Mexico. As the first temple in the state of Oaxaca, it brought sacred temple ordinances much closer to thousands of faithful members who had previously traveled great distances. More than two decades after its dedication, it continues to bless generations of families and serves as a lasting symbol of faith in one of Mexico's most culturally rich regions.
Scott & Riah
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