Tijuana México Temple

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As of February 2013, a construction barrier and tower crane have been erected at the Tijuana México Temple site, where site grading and excavation activities are underway.

On the morning of Saturday, August 18, some 2,000 faithful Latter-day Saints gathered to a barren lot in eastern Tijuana to participate in the site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony for the Tijuana México Temple. The design of the landmark building—which bears a notable resemblance to old Spanish missions—was chosen for a reason, according to Elder Benjamín De Hoyos of the Seventy, First Counselor in the Mexico Area presidency, who presided at the event. "Those early Spanish friars were very valiant in their preaching and building," he said. "And today, we in Mexico are very comfortable with the style of those churches. The temple will be an emblem for the entire Tijuana community."

Long-time member Dominga G. Sifuentes, who was baptized in 1964, said, "I remember when the first chapel was built here. We had 30 members then. Now we have a temple. I've watched the Church grow and have seen many chapels constructed, but the temple brings a special air of peace and tranquility." Elder De Hoyos stated, "We've seen in other Mexican cities where a temple has been built that there is a newfound peace in the city itself. Not only in Mexico, but in other Latin American countries I've visited, a temple can be a real factor in bringing a sense of security and prosperity. And we feel certain much the same thing will happen here."¹

The Tijuana México Temple will serve members from the following ten stakes: Ensenada México Stake, Mexicali México Stake, Mexicali México Los Pinos Stake, San Luis Río Colorado México Stake, Tijuana México Stake, Tijuana México Central Stake, Tijuana México Florido Stake, Tijuana México Insurgentes Stake, Tijuana México La Mesa Stake, and Tijuana México Otay Stake.

The design of the Tijuana México Temple reflects the Spanish Colonial influences that characterize much of Mexican architecture including the Spanish missions found throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States. The brilliant white exterior symbolizes the holy purpose of the temple, which is crowned with a distinctive central tower, lifting the eyes heavenward. Towering palm trees and colorful landscaping will decorate the temple grounds.

The Tijuana México Temple will stand on Avenida Insurgentes in southeastern Tijuana with a backdrop of the beautiful Cerro Colorado, which bears white letters near the peak that state: Jesucristo es el Señor (Jesus Christ is Lord).

On October 2, 2010, during the opening session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced that Mexico's thirteenth temple would be constructed in the border town of Tijuana where the Church has experienced rapid growth in recent years.² The Saints of Tijuana currently must cross the U.S.-Mexico border to partake in ordinance work at the San Diego California Temple. Six stakes are headquartered in the city of Tijuana with nearby stakes located in the states of Baja California and Sonora.

The Tijuana México Temple will be the thirteenth temple built in Mexico.