Where It's Located
The Panama City Panama Temple is located at Calle Rufina Alfaro #3172, Hacia La Villa de Cárdenas, Corozal, Ancón, Provincia de Panamá, Panama. Perched on a lush hillside overlooking the world-famous Panama Canal, the temple sits on a beautifully landscaped 6.96-acre property surrounded by tropical vegetation. The grounds include an arrival center, patron housing, and a distribution center, though there is no visitors' center.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Panama City on numerous nonstop flights from cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, New York, Los Angeles, and several other major hubs. From the airport, the temple is typically a 30- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Panama City Panama Temple was announced by the First Presidency on August 23, 2002. It became the 127th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first temple in Panama, and the third temple in Central America, following the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple and the San José Costa Rica Temple. Before its construction, faithful members in Panama often traveled long distances to attend temples in neighboring countries.
During a visit to Panama in December 2000, President Gordon B. Hinckley encouraged local members to remain faithful, promising that the Lord would provide a temple if they continued to keep His commandments. Less than two years later, the temple was officially announced. Groundbreaking services were held on October 30, 2005, with Elder Spencer V. Jones presiding. Although Hurricane Beta threatened the area the day before the ceremony, the storm changed course, allowing the groundbreaking to proceed under clear skies. Nearly 33,000 visitors toured the temple during its public open house before President Thomas S. Monson dedicated it on August 10, 2008.
Design and Architecture
The Panama City Panama Temple contains approximately 18,943 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished with China stone and features a single attached central spire topped with an angel Moroni statue. Rising approximately 122 feet (37 meters) above the surrounding hillside, the temple enjoys sweeping views of the rainforest and Panama Canal, making it one of the most scenic temple locations in Central America.
Inside, the temple includes two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature tropical palm trees, colorful flowers, a peaceful water feature, and housing for temple patrons, missionaries, and the temple presidency, creating a tranquil environment for worship.
Final Thoughts
The Panama City Panama Temple stands as a significant milestone in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central America. As Panama's first temple, it brought sacred temple ordinances much closer to thousands of faithful members throughout the country and continues to serve Saints from Panama as well as portions of Jamaica and Guyana within its temple district. Its breathtaking setting overlooking the Panama Canal and tropical rainforest makes it one of the most distinctive temples in the world.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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