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{{Short description|LDS Temple in São Paulo, Brazil}}
{{ LDS Temple/São Paulo Brazil Temple |format= Infobox LDS Temple }}
The '''São Paulo Brazil Temple''' (formerly the '''São Paulo Temple''') is the 19th constructed and 17th operating [[Temple (LDS Church)|temple]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church). Located in the [[Brazil]]ian city of [[São Paulo]], it was the first Latter-day Saint temple built in [[South America]], and the first to use a single story, single spire design. The spire is 101 feet (31 m) tall. The intent to build the temple was announced on March 1, 1975, by [[President of the Church (LDS Church)|church president]] [[Spencer W. Kimball]] at an area conference.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=São Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/sao-paulo-brazil/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on March 20, 1976, conducted by [[James E. Faust]].<ref name=":0" />

==History==
{{See also|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil}}

=== The LDS Church in Brazil ===
There have been church members in Brazil since 1913, when German immigrants and church members, Max and Amalie Zapf, immigrated to the country. Several more church members immigrated to Brazil in the 1920s, but the church's first [[Mormon missionary|missionaries]] weren’t sent until 1928, with the first converts baptized in 1929.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Chronology |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/global-histories/brazil/br-chronology?lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> In 1930, the first [[Branch (LDS Church)|branch]] was established.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studies |first=Mark L. Grover Retired Professor of Latin American |last2=University |first2=Brigham Young |title=The Church in Brazil: The Future Has Finally Arrived |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2014/07/the-church-in-brazil-the-future-has-finally-arrived?lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> The church continued to grow in Brazil, reaching 3.700 members by the end of the 1950s.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2012-04-23 |title=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and the Amazon Region |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-brazil |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> As of 2012, the church had over a million members in Brazil,<ref name=":1" /> and Brazil has the “third-largest Church population in the world, after the United States and Mexico.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil Is Rising |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/brazil-is-rising?lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref>

=== The São Paulo Temple ===
The intention to construct a temple in São Paulo was announced by the LDS Church on March 1, 1975, with construction beginning twelve months later. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 20, 1976, marking the commencement of construction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=São Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/s%C3%A3o-paulo-brazil-temple |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> This ceremony was presided over by James E. Faust and attended by local church members and community leaders.<ref name=":0" /> Hundreds of local church members gathered to clear the site, which included removing brush, weeds, and banana trees. Hundreds more members donated their time to produce fifty thousand blocks of cast stone composed of [[quartz]], [[marble]] chips, and white concrete for the exterior of the temple. It was dedicated on October 30, 1978, by church president Spencer W. Kimball. The temple has two [[ordinance room]]s and four [[sealing room]]s, and has a total floor area of 59,246 square feet (5,504 m<sup>2</sup>).<ref>{{cite news|last=Brigham |first=Janet |title=The Sao Paulo Temple: Story of Sacrifice and Learning |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/10/news-of-the-church/the-sao-paulo-temple-story-of-sacrifice-and-learning?lang=eng |work=The Ensign |date=October 1978 |accessdate=October 30, 2018}}</ref>

On August 20, 2003, a gold-leafed statue of the [[angel Moroni]] was added to the temple during an extensive renovation and enlargement project 25 years after its dedication.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Berteaux |first1=Kelsey |last2=Rosner |first2=Jannalee |title=10 Things You Didn't Know about the Angel Moroni Statue |url=http://www.ldsliving.com/10-Things-You-Didn-t-Know-about-the-Angel-Moroni-Statue/s/74177 |work=LDS Living |accessdate=October 30, 2018}}</ref> Church president [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] rededicated the temple on February 22, 2004.<ref>{{cite news|last=Assis |first=Fernando |title=Sao Paulo temple ready for re-dedication |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2004-01-31/sao-paulo-temple-ready-for-re-dedication-24866 |work=The Church News |date=January 30, 2004 |accessdate=October 30, 2018}}</ref>

In 2020, like all the church's temples, the São Paulo Brazil Temple was closed temporarily during the year in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>Stack, Peggy Fletcher. [https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2020/03/26/all-latter-day-saint/ "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus"], ''[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]'', 26 March 2020. Retrieved on 28 March 2020.</ref>

== Design and architecture ==
The building has Spanish-influenced modern design, coupled with a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. Designed by [[Emil B. Fetzer]], the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the region and the spiritual significance to the church.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Sao Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2010/3/15/23211960/sao-paulo-brazil-temple/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Site ===
The temple sits on a 1.85-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features flowerbeds and a water fountain.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=São Paulo Brazil Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/sao-paulo-brazil-temple/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref> These elements provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. There is also a [[Visitors Center (Latter-day Saint)|visitors' center]] on the temple grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=São Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/sao-paulo-brazil-temple?lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref>

=== Exterior ===
The structure stands 101 feet tall,<ref name=":2" /> constructed with reinforced concrete faced with quartz and marble aggregates.<ref name=":0" /> The exterior is characterized by a single attached end spire with an angel Moroni statue, elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions.<ref name=":2" /> The design uses elements that reflect both the local culture and the broader church symbolism.

=== Interior ===
The temple includes a baptistry, two ordinance rooms, four sealing rooms, and a [[celestial room]], each arranged for ceremonial use.<ref name=":3" /> Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.

=== Symbols ===
Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing Latter-day Saint symbolism, which provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members. Church members believe temples function as literal houses of the Lord, and symbolize the relationship between him and his followers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=SAO PAULO BRAZIL TEMPLE: 'We are grateful for the faithful Saints' |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2004/2/28/23238809/sao-paulo-brazil-temple-we-are-grateful-for-the-faithful-saints/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Latter-day Saints Build Temples |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/why-latter-day-saints-build-temples?lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref>

== Renovations ==
Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. The most significant renovation project commenced in 2002.<ref name=":0" />

The renovations included expanding the temple, updating the mechanical systems, and adding a statue of the Angel Moroni to the spire.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Sao Paulo temple ready for re-dedication |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2004/1/31/23238979/sao-paulo-temple-ready-for-re-dedication/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members.

The renovation included refurbishment of the original furniture, which was made in the factory of Walter Spat, who was the first president of the first [[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stake]] in Brazil. The furniture “remains in excellent condition because of the high quality of the original work.”<ref name=":4" /> This highlights the care taken to maintain the original design of the temple.

The renovated temple was rededicated on February 22, 2004, by Gordon B. Hinckley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=São Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/s%C3%A3o-paulo-brazil-temple |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Cultural and community impact ==
The temple and its surrounding grounds hosted a cultural celebration on February 21, 2004, to commemorate the temple’s rededication.<ref name=":0" /> Despite torrential rain, approximately 60,000 people gathered in [[Pacaembu Stadium]] for the event. The celebration featured dancers in traditional costumes, characters from Brazilian children’s literature, and a 1,200-person choir.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Brazilian pageantry |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2004/2/28/23238828/brazilian-pageantry/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>

The visitors' center helps educate and spiritually uplift the community by providing insights into the history of the church in Brazil. The visitors' center was dedicated on January 21, 2019,<ref name=":0" /> and was the first visitors’ center in South America. It is equipped with a [[Christus (statue)|Christus]] statue and interactive exhibits. The visitors’ center provides members and non-members with understanding of “the love of the Brazilian people for one another and for the Savior” and the temple's unique place in church history.<ref name="thechurchnews.com">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Look inside the first visitors’ center in South America |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2019/11/11/23215649/south-america-sao-paulo-brazil-temple-visitors-center/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>

== Temple presidents ==
The church's temples are directed by a [[temple president]] and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Presidents and Matrons of the São Paulo Brazil Temple |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/sao-paulo-brazil-temple/presidents/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>

The first president of the São Paulo Brazil Temple was Finn B. Paulsen, with the matron being Sara M. Paulsen. They served from 1978 to 1979.<ref name=":5" /> As of 2024, Reinaldo de Souza Barreto is the president, with Glaucia R. Barreto serving as matron.<ref name=":0" />

Other notable temple presidents include: [[Helio R. Camargo]] (1990–93); Athos M. Amorím (1993–96); and [[Jairo Mazzagardi]] (2006–09).<ref name=":5" />

== Admittance ==
When the temple was completed, an open house was held in September 1978. The temple was then dedicated by Spencer W. Kimball in ten sessions from October 30-November 2, 1978. Following the temple’s renovation period from 2002-2004, another open house was held from January 17-February 14, 2004, with around 99,000 people attending. The temple was then rededicated on February 22, 2004, by Gordon B. Hinckley.<ref name=":0" /> Like all the church's temples, it is not used for [[Lord's Day|Sunday worship]] services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current [[temple recommend]] can enter for worship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside Temples |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/inside-temples?lang=eng&lang=eng |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> The visitors’ center is available to the public.<ref name="thechurchnews.com"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|LDS Church}}
{{LDS Temple Map Brazil}}
* [[Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by geographic region]]
* [[Temple architecture (Latter-day Saints)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}
*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/sao-paulo-brazil-temple?lang=eng São Paulo Brazil Temple Official site]
*[https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/sao-paulo-brazil-temple/ São Paulo Brazil Temple] at ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org

{{LDS-South-America}}
{{Visitor attractions in São Paulo}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sao Paulo Brazil Temple}}
[[Category:20th-century Latter Day Saint temples]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in São Paulo]]
[[Category:Temples (LDS Church) completed in 1978]]
[[Category:Temples (LDS Church) in Brazil]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Brazil]]


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