Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple

Groundbreaking of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple

In his native country, Elder Joaquin E. Costa — a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the South America South Area presidency — presided at the groundbreaking of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on April 9, 2022. Latter-day Saints were joined at the event, which was invitation only, by community members and civic leaders.

“We thank the authorities of the different governments through the many years that the gospel has been shared here,” Elder Costa, born in Concordia, Argentina, said in his remarks. “We are grateful for the tolerance and openness to receive missionaries, allow construction and provide a safe environment for the restored Church of Jesus Christ to grow in Bahía Blanca and southern Argentina.”

Timeline of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple

April

05

2020

Announced

President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for a temple in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, on April 5, 2020, during April 2020 general conference. The announcement of a temple in Bahía Blanca and seven other locations worldwide came during the Church President’s final message of the Sunday afternoon session.

April

09

2022

Groundbreaking

Ground was broken for a house of the Lord in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, on April 9, 2022, with Elder Joaquin E. Costa, second counselor in the South America South Area presidency and a General Authority Seventy, presiding. The invitation-only ceremony included community members and civic leaders.

The Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple was announced on April 5, 2020, by Church President Russell M. Nelson. The groundbreaking ceremony for this sacred edifice, where members can perform ordinances and make covenants, was held April 9, 2022, and presided over by Elder Joaquin E. Costa, second counselor in the South America South Area presidency.

Architecture and Design of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple

The house of the Lord in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, will be a single-story building of approximately 19,000 square feet on 8.14-acre grounds. Atop the edifice will be a two-story domed steeple with eight stained-glass windows. Also built on the site will be a 25,000-square-foot ancillary building to include patron housing and a distribution center.

Groundbreaking Photos of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple

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Invited attendees of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple help turn dirt at the site on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Attendees listen at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Joaquín E. Costa, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the South America South Area presidency, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ceremonial shovels stand ready for use at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A youth choir sings at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Invited attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple stand next to a rendering of the temple on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Invited guests from the community join Latter-day Saints in turning ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt in the groundbreaking for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on April 9, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints