Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple
The Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple is the 99th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic's capital city. Founded in 1496, this city is the oldest European settlement existing in the New World. In 1978 the Dominican Republic was dedicated for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In that same year, two Latter-day Saint families moved to the country unbeknownst to the other. They quickly became friends and began sharing the gospel with newfound friends and acquaintances. In 1979 more than three hundred people were baptized. In 1981 the first mission was organized and the membership reached twenty-five hundred. In 1986 membership had grown to eleven thousand and in 1998, Church membership reached a staggering sixty thousand. [1]
Before the temple was built in the Dominican Republic, members of the Church of Jesus Christ would have to travel to Florida, Peru, or Guatemala to attend a temple. As with many regions of the world, financial struggles made it quite difficult for some families to go the temple even once. With the announcement of a temple in their area, members quickly began working on preparing themselves for the dedication and preparing names to be done when the temple doors opened. "Our goal is to have at least 170,000 names available when the temple doors open," said President Castro of the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Stake. [2]
The temple open house attracted nearly forty thousand people. After touring the temple, a local journalist reported the following, "Within the temple, one receives the impression of being in another world . . . nothing in the country can compare with this." Over ten thousand Dominican members and their neighbors from Haiti, Puerto Rico, and other islands witnessed the dedication of the temple on September 17, 2000, by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
During the dedicatory prayer, President Hinckley petitioned, “Dear Father, please look down with love upon Thy sons and daughters in this island nation and in surrounding lands. Prosper them in their labors that they may have food upon their tables and shelter over their heads. As they look to Thee, reward their faith and open Thy hand of providence toward them. May they find peace in the midst of conflict, and faith amidst the stress of the world. Open the windows of heaven, as Thou hast promised, and let blessings flow down upon them.” [3]
The Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple is located in the western part of the city. Adorned with trees and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it is fast becoming a beacon of strength for members and non-members alike. It has a total of 67,000 square feet, four ordinance rooms, and four sealing rooms.
Notes
- "The First 100 Temples", by Chad Hawkins, 2001, 265
- "Excitement Growing as Members Prepare for Caribbean Temple", Church News, January 1997, 3
- “News of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 108
