The Urdaneta Philippines Temple is temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints awaiting dedication in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 2, 2010, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during the church's general conference. The temple will be the third in the Philippines, following those in Manila and Cebu City.[3][4]
The Urdaneta Philippines Temple has a single spire and gold statue of the angel Moroni.[5] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify beginning of construction, was held on January 16, 2019.[6] The temple is scheduled to be dedicated by Dallin H. Oaks on April 28, 2024.[7] The Urdaneta Philippines Temple is core to the church's deep-rooted commitment to spiritual practices.
History
On October 2, 2010, During the church's general conference, Monson announced the intent to construct a temple in Urdaneta City, Philippines.[8][9]
The temple will be located approximately 100 miles north of Metro Manila on Luzon, the largest and most populated island in the Philippines. The temple will help serve the 99 stakes and districts in the Luzon Island Group currently served by the Manila Philippines Temple.[citation needed]
The groundbreaking ceremony, marking the commencement of construction, was held on January 16, 2019, with Jeffrey R. Holland presiding.[2][10] The event was attended by local church members and community leaders.[6][11] During construction various challenges were faced, including the temple site’s marshy land, which made it difficult to establish a strong foundation.[12]
The temple will be a center of spiritual growth in the lives of church members in the region. The announcement in 2010 was met with excitement from church members in the Philippines. After it is dedicated, the temple will be a sacred place of worship for church members, but also a symbol of the dedication and resilience of the church community in the area.[6]
Design and architecture
The Urdaneta Philippines Temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of Urdaneta City and the spiritual significance to church members.
The temple sits on a 32-acre site, and the building is constructed with concrete and granite.[12] The exterior features a rectangular base with rounded corners, long, vertical windows, and a spire with a statue of the angel Moroni.[3]
Each room in a temple is designed to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The temple's layout includes two instruction rooms used for the endowment, three sealing rooms, and a baptistry, each purposefully designed to perform specific ordinances sacred to church members.[4]
Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing important tenets of church doctrine, which provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is an important subject to members of the church. For example, the gold statue of the angel Moroni that stands atop the temple symbolizes “a proclamation to the world that the Church of Jesus Christ is reestablished in these latter days and continues to be restored in its fullness through prophetic revelation.”[12]
The landscaping around the temple features six acacia trees, as well as a number of palm trees and shrubs.[3][12]
Temples in the Philippines
The Urdaneta Philippines Temple will be the church's third temple in the Philippines, following the Manila (1984) and Cebu City (2010) temples. More temples were announced in 2018 and 2019, with construction underway for the Alabang, Davao, and Bacolod temples.[13] Beyond those, as of February 2024, others have been announced, with no dates set yet for the groundbreaking ceremonies, which will bring the total temples in the Philippines to 13.[14][15]
Admittance and use
On December 11, 2023, the church announced that a public open house is scheduled to last two weeks. It will go from March 15-30, 2024 (excluding Sundays). This event will allow individuals of all faiths to experience the temple's architecture and learn about the sacred functions it will perform.[16] The temple's dedication is scheduled for April 28, 2024, with Dallin H. Oaks of the church's First Presidency presiding. Once dedicated, entry into the temple will be available to those who hold a valid temple recommend.[17] For members of the faith, the temple will be a beacon of faith, and a symbol of the church's presence in the area.[18]
Temple presidents
The church's temples are overseen by a married couple who serve as the temple president and temple matron. The roles of the president and matron include the administration of temple operations and spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff.[4][19]
The first president of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple will be Roberto Waylon Yu, with Ofelia Garin Manarin Yu serving as the matron.[19]
.svg)
