Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple

© 2007, Intellectual Reserve. All rights reserved.

Construction of the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple was halted shortly after excavation for the foundation in late 2007 when opposition was met from the city of Tegucigalpa, which is withholding its project approval. According to reports, city officials feel the temple will overshadow the nearby Catholic Basilica de Suyapa and detract from the city's tradition and culture. Church officials are currently in negotiations with the city. Among the possible options is relocation of the temple either within Tegucigalpa or perhaps to another city. A final decision is awaited.¹

A year from the date of its announcement, construction of the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple formally commenced. The groundbreaking ceremony was held Saturday, June 9, 2007, at its location adjacent to the Institute building on the eastern side of Tegucigalpa near the famous Basilica de Suyapa. President Spencer V. Jones of the Seventy presided at the event, which was attended by invited priesthood leaders and their families—several of whom participated in the first ceremonial scoops of dirt with gold-colored shovels. Stake presidents from Nicaragua expressed gratitude that the temple would be only four hours away, allowing them to spend more time doing ordinance work than traveling, as had previously been the case.²

The First Presidency announced a temple for Honduras' largest and capital city of Tegucigalpa in a letter dated June 9, 2006. The Honduran members received the news at the hand of Central America Area President Spencer V. Jones of the Seventy, who was visiting the country on June 18. The Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple is Honduras' first. Area members, who have had to travel 12 hours to the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple, are delighted with the news, as temple trips come at a great cost for many. The First Presidency added its confidence that "this will be a blessing to the many faithful saints in this and surrounding areas who have had to travel long distances to enjoy the blessings of the temple."³