Where It's Located
The Recife Brazil Temple is located at Rua Dr. José de Góes, 280, Parnamirim, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The temple occupies a 5.59-acre (2.3-hectare) property in the Parnamirim neighborhood of Recife. Its location places it within the metropolitan area of one of northeastern Brazil's largest and most historically important cities.
The temple grounds include an arrival center, patron housing, and a distribution center. There is no visitors' center open to the public.
Getting There
Recife is served by Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC), the primary international airport serving Pernambuco and the surrounding region. The airport provides connections throughout Brazil as well as international service.
For travelers from the United States, Recife can typically be reached through connections in major Brazilian or international gateway cities. Once in Recife, the temple is located within the city rather than in a remote suburban or rural area, making it relatively convenient to combine a temple visit with sightseeing around the city.
Recife is also an excellent base for exploring northeastern Brazil. Visitors can experience historic neighborhoods, Portuguese colonial architecture, tropical beaches, and the distinctive culture and cuisine of Pernambuco.
A Bit of History
The Recife Brazil Temple was announced on January 13, 1995, during the presidency of Gordon B. Hinckley. It became the second temple built in Brazil, following the São Paulo Brazil Temple.
The announcement was especially significant for members in northeastern Brazil because of the enormous distance they had previously needed to travel for temple worship. Before the Recife Temple was constructed, the nearest temple for members living in Recife was the São Paulo Brazil Temple, approximately a 50-hour drive away.
For many Saints, temple attendance therefore required substantial planning, travel expenses, and time away from home. The announcement of a temple in Recife represented a dramatic improvement in accessibility for members throughout the region.
Groundbreaking and Construction
Groundbreaking and site-dedication services were held on November 11, 1996, with President Gordon B. Hinckley presiding. During the ceremony, President Hinckley emphasized the importance of preparing spiritually for the temple and expressed his hope that the new temple would serve many thousands of members throughout northern Brazil.
The construction of the temple was part of a period of significant temple expansion under President Hinckley. During the 1990s, the Church began announcing and constructing smaller temples in locations around the world, making temple worship accessible to members who previously faced extraordinary travel distances.
Open House and Dedication
After construction was completed, the Recife Brazil Temple held a public open house from November 11 through December 2, 2000. The 21-day open house allowed members and other visitors to tour the completed temple before its dedication.
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Recife Brazil Temple on December 15, 2000. It became the 101st dedicated temple in operation at the time.
The dedication marked a major milestone for Latter-day Saints throughout northeastern Brazil. What had once required an extraordinarily long journey to São Paulo was now available much closer to home.
Design and Architecture
The Recife Brazil Temple contains approximately 37,200 square feet (3,456 square meters) of floor space. Its exterior is finished with Asa Branca granite from the Brazilian state of Ceará, giving the building a bright appearance that complements the tropical environment of northeastern Brazil.
The temple features a single attached central spire topped by an angel Moroni statue. Its relatively symmetrical design and light-colored exterior give it a distinctive yet understated appearance.
Inside, the temple contains two instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. These facilities allow members to participate in the sacred ordinances performed in Latter-day Saint temples.
Recife and the Temple's Setting
Recife provides an interesting backdrop for the temple. Known as the "Venice of Brazil" because of its numerous waterways and bridges, the city combines a dense urban environment with tropical scenery and a long Atlantic coastline.
The city is also one of the cultural centers of northeastern Brazil. Travelers can explore historic districts such as Recife Antigo, visit museums and historic churches, and enjoy the area's beaches.
The temple itself sits at an elevation of only about 14 feet (5 meters) above sea level, making its setting dramatically different from temples located in mountainous regions of South America.
Visiting the Temple
The temple is a sacred house of the Lord and is not open to the general public for tours outside designated open houses. Visitors who meet the requirements for temple worship may enter, while others can appreciate the exterior and surrounding grounds.
The temple property includes an arrival center, patron housing, and a distribution center, making it an important regional destination for Latter-day Saints traveling to Recife for temple worship.
For American travelers, a trip to Recife can also provide an opportunity to experience a part of Brazil that is quite different from the country's better-known destinations such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Final Thoughts
The Recife Brazil Temple holds an important place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. As Brazil's second temple, it dramatically changed access to temple worship for members throughout the country's northeastern region.
Its story is particularly meaningful because of the distance members once had to travel. A journey that could take roughly 50 hours by car to reach São Paulo was replaced by a temple in their own region.
Today, the Recife Brazil Temple remains an important spiritual center for Latter-day Saints in northeastern Brazil. Its white granite exterior, central spire, tropical surroundings, and history of serving thousands of members make it a memorable temple destination for anyone exploring Brazil.
For Latter-day Saint travelers from the United States, Recife offers the opportunity to combine temple worship with the history, beaches, culture, and natural beauty of northeastern Brazil.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
broughmade.com
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