Where It's Located
The Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple is located at Route de Frères, Frères 23, Impasse Saint-Marc #20 & 22, Pétion-Ville, Haiti, an eastern suburb of Port-au-Prince. The temple sits on a 1.77-acre (0.7-hectare) property behind an existing meetinghouse in the hills of Pétion-Ville. The grounds include a distribution center, but there is no visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing available for the public.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Port-au-Prince through available international connections, though flight options may vary depending on current travel conditions. From the airport, the temple is generally a 25- to 35-minute drive, depending on traffic and local conditions. Visitors should always review the latest travel advisories before planning a trip to Haiti.
A Bit of History
The Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the April 2015 General Conference on April 5, 2015. It became the 165th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first temple in Haiti. Before its construction, Haitian members often traveled nearly a full day to the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple, facing significant travel expenses and, after the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, additional challenges obtaining the documentation needed to cross the international border.
The temple site was announced in March 2017, and groundbreaking services were held on October 28, 2017, with Elder Walter F. González, President of the Caribbean Area, presiding. Following a public open house from August 8–17, 2019, Elder David A. Bednar dedicated the temple on September 1, 2019. The dedication marked a historic milestone for faithful Latter-day Saints throughout Haiti, many of whom had sacrificed greatly for years to attend the temple.
Design and Architecture
The Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple contains approximately 10,396 square feet (966 square meters) of floor space. Its exterior is finished with limestone composite panels and features a single attached end spire, creating a clean and elegant appearance that complements its hillside setting.
Inside, the temple includes one instruction room, one sealing room, and one baptistry. The temple president's residence is located on the property, along with an ancillary building housing the distribution center. Although modest in size, the temple provides all the sacred spaces needed to serve members throughout Haiti in a peaceful and reverent environment.
Final Thoughts
The Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple stands as a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and hope. As Haiti's first temple, it brought sacred temple ordinances within reach of thousands of members who had long endured difficult international travel to worship in the house of the Lord. Today, it continues to bless families across Haiti while serving as a testament to the remarkable growth and resilience of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Caribbean.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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