Concepción Chile Temple

Early on Saturday morning, February 27, 2010, a massive 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Chile just 62 miles north of Concepción—the closest major city to the epicenter. Church spokesman Scott Trotter says it is currently unknown how the quake might affect plans for the Concepción Chile Temple. The Santiago Chile Temple and Missionary Training Center sustained no major damage.¹

The Chilean news publication, Diario El Sur, reports that a 2.5-acre site has been acquired by the Church for the construction of the Concepción Chile Temple in Quinta Junge—a modern residential development in a beautifully forested area on the Biobío River. A major apartment complex, called Edificios Parque Junge, was already under construction on site with 40 percent of the apartments sold, but the contracts have been cancelled and refunded as a result of the sale. The reporters indicate that an architectural rendering, viewed through unofficial sources, reveals a large temple surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, which may place it among the greatest religious facilities in the city.²

Chilean Saints couldn't hold back their tears, cheers, and embraces of joy and gratitude at the announcement of the Concepción Chile Temple given by President Thomas S. Monson during the Saturday morning session of General Conference, on October 3, 2009. This temple will be Chile's second. The nation's other temple—the Santiago Chile Temple—currently serves 105 stakes and districts from Chile and Argentina. President Monson noted that 83 percent of Church members now live within 200 miles of a temple.³

The Concepción Chile Temple will be the second temple built in Chile, following the Santiago Chile Temple (1983).