Visitor Insights
Visiting Oaxaca Mexico Temple
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple is set within peaceful landscaped grounds near the local university in Oaxaca. While temple interior entry requires a valid temple recommend, visitors are welcome to walk the manicured exterior grounds and appreciate the architecture.
Highlights
- Elegant exterior crafted from white Mexican marble sourced in Torreón.
- Gilded Angel Moroni statue atop a single 71-foot spire facing eastward.
- Lush native landscaping framing a quiet reflective garden setting.
Things to Know
- Interior admittance is strictly reserved for recommend-holding Latter-day Saints.
- Temple clothing rentals are not available on site, though baptistry clothing is provided.
- An adjacent meetinghouse shares the property and hosts regular Sunday services.
Location
Avenida Universidad #139, Fracc. Real de Candiani, 68130 Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Operating schedules vary; check official Church channels for ordinance appointment times.
Getting There: Situated on Avenida Universidad near major transit corridors, easily reachable by taxi or city bus from central Oaxaca.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Grounds Access
The exterior gardens offer quiet spaces for reflection and photography during daylight hours.
Sunday Services
Visitors are invited to attend general Christian Sunday worship at the adjacent chapel.
About
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple stands as the 74th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the fifth constructed in Mexico. Located in the vibrant cultural heart of Oaxaca, the temple serves tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints across southern Mexico, providing a sanctuary for sacred rites and quiet contemplation within the Christian tradition.
Rooted in Latter-day Saint theology—a branch of the broader Christian tradition—the temple functions as a holy house of the Lord centered on Jesus Christ, divine covenants, and the eternal union of families. Announced in early 1999, the temple stands as a testament to the growth and devotion of local believers who previously traveled hundreds of miles to worship in Mexico City.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
The golden statue heralds the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.
Single East-Facing Spire
Points heavenward to symbolize human connection with the divine and the resurrection of Christ.
Torreón White Marble
White stone exterior walls embody spiritual purity, light, and enduring strength.
Celestial Room
Represents the ultimate peaceful heavenly kingdom and dwelling in the presence of God.
Sealing Rooms
Sacred rooms where eternal marriage covenants unite families for time and all eternity.
Baptistry
Font supported by twelve oxen representing the twelve tribes of Israel and Christ's redeeming grace.
Circle and Square Motifs
Geometric elements symbolic of the convergence of heaven and earth.
Manicured Gardens
Orderly natural landscaping creating an oasis of peace reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.
Interesting Facts
The temple was built in less than one year from groundbreaking to completion.
Its groundbreaking occurred on the exact same day as temples in Hawaii and Tennessee.
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oaxaca during construction, leaving the structure unharmed.
Local members raised funds by selling personal goods long before a temple was announced.
It was the first temple dedication conducted by President James E. Faust.
Prior to completion, local Saints traveled over 225 miles to Mexico City for worship.
Over 10,600 community guests toured the building during its brief five-day open house.
The temple was the fifth Latter-day Saint temple dedicated in the nation of Mexico.
Common Questions
What is the religious significance of the Oaxaca Mexico Temple?
As a Latter-day Saint temple within Christian tradition, it serves as a holy house for eternal covenants and family sealings.
Can non-members enter the temple interior?
Only faithful Church members holding temple recommends enter after dedication, but all are welcome on the grounds.
What materials were used on the exterior?
The facade features radiant white marble quarried in Torreón, Mexico.
How did the temple withstand the 1999 earthquake?
Built to robust engineering standards, the structure suffered zero damage during the 7.6-magnitude quake.
Featured Stories
Preserved Through the Quake
September 30, 1999
During construction in late 1999, a violent 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked the city of Oaxaca, causing widespread structural failure across nearby residential and municipal buildings. Surrounding properties suffered heavy destruction and condemnation. Remarkably, the rising temple structure sustained zero damage, permitting construction crews to resume building without delay.
Source: Church News Reports
Faithful Sacrifices of Southern Saints
1990s
Before a temple was even promised for southern Mexico, Saints in Oaxaca demonstrated extraordinary devotion by making financial sacrifices and selling handcrafted items to support temple work. Families routinely endured long, costly journeys over 225 miles to Mexico City to partake in sacred ordinances. Their unfailing faith was rewarded with the announcement of a temple in their home state.
Source: Local Church Oral Histories
A Milestone Dedication
March 11, 2000
President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Oaxaca Mexico Temple in four sacred sessions attended by more than 18,000 Saints. The event marked President Faust's first temple dedication as a member of the First Presidency, filling attendees with profound gratitude and joy.
Source: Ensign Magazine
Timeline
Missionary Vision
Mexican Mission President Arwel L. Pierce visits Oaxaca and foresights strong future Church growth.
MilestoneOfficial Announcement
President Gordon B. Hinckley announces plans to construct the Oaxaca Mexico Temple.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Carl B. Pratt presides over the groundbreaking ceremony attended by 500 members.
component.timeline.groundbreakingSeismic Endurance
A major 7.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Oaxaca but leaves the temple structure undamaged.
EventPublic Open House Begins
Community members begin touring the completed interior during a five-day public open house.
EventOpen House Concludes
Over 10,000 visitors complete tours of the temple prior to its sacred dedication.
EventSacred Dedication
President James E. Faust dedicates the temple across four spiritual sessions.
DedicationHistory by Decade
1940s–1950s — Early Missionary Foundations
In 1949, Mexican Mission President Arwel L. Pierce visited Oaxaca and declared his firm belief in the future growth of the Church in southern Mexico. Over the following decades, small congregations expanded steadily despite geographical isolation from main Church centers.
1990s — Announcement and Resilience
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the temple on February 23, 1999, bringing immense joy to regional members. Construction proceeded rapidly after a March groundbreaking, remaining entirely unharmed when a massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oaxaca in September 1999.
2000s — Open House and Dedication
More than 10,600 visitors toured the structure during its public open house in early 2000. On March 11, 2000, President James E. Faust solemnly dedicated the temple as the 74th operating house of the Lord worldwide.
2010s–Present — Continued Spiritual Anchor
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple continues to serve as a beacon of Christian faith, family unity, and covenant service for Latter-day Saint stakes throughout southern Mexico.
Architecture & Facilities
The Oaxaca Mexico Temple exemplifies a classic modern architectural style adapted for mid-sized Latter-day Saint temples of the late 1990s, characterized by horizontal symmetry, clean lines, white stone cladding, and a single vertical spire crowned by an Angel Moroni statue.
Building Materials
Exterior Facade
Clad in brilliant white marble quarried and finished in Torreón, Mexico.
Spire
Stepped single spire crowned with a fiberglass gilded Angel Moroni statue.
Windows
Art glass windows featuring subtle geometric patterns designed to diffuse natural light.
Grounds Hardscaping
Paved stone walkways framed by regional stone masonry walls.
Interior Features
Celestial Room
Serene room outfitted with soft lighting and elegant furnishings representing eternal rest.
Ordinance Rooms
Two progressive instruction halls adorned with fine woodwork and soft carpets.
Sealing Rooms
Two rooms equipped with altars where eternal marriages and family sealings are solemnized.
Baptistry
Sacred baptismal font resting upon twelve sculptured ox figures.
Temple Grounds
Spanning 1.87 acres, the temple grounds feature manicured lawns, tropical shrubs, flowering trees, and stone walkways.
Additional Facilities
An adjacent meetinghouse provides facilities for Sunday services and stake activities.
Religious Significance
Within the broader Abrahamic and Christian traditions, Latter-day Saints view the temple as a literal house of the Lord. It serves as a holy sanctuary distinct from regular chapels, dedicated exclusively to sacred ordinances centered on Jesus Christ and eternal family covenants.
To provide a sacred environment where believers make covenants with God and receive ordinances essential for eternal salvation.
Sacred Ordinances
Endowment
A sacred instruction course presenting the divine plan of salvation and gospel covenants.
Eternal Marriage
Solemnization of marriage covenants uniting husbands and wives for eternity.
Proxy Baptism
Baptisms performed on behalf of deceased ancestors offering them gospel blessings.
Christ-Centered Covenants
All temple rites emphasize faith in Jesus Christ, personal holiness, and devotion to God's commandments.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (7)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| Dedication & Groundbreaking | Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2026-02-22 |
| Architecture & Design | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2026-02-22 |
| Symbolic Elements & Interior | Church Newsroom (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| Visitor Insights & Access | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| Regional Church History in Oaxaca | Keystone LDS (opens in a new tab) | C | 2026-02-22 |
| Temple Open House Statistics | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |