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Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Salvador Brazil Temple on October 20, 2024. The temple is located on Brazil's eastern coast and was dedicated in two sessions.
The city of Salvador translates to "Savior" in English. Elder Andersen remarked that the significance lies not in the name but in the dedication taking place where many have "the Savior — 'Salvador' — written in their hearts." He noted, "Members of the Church here are full of love for God — their Father — and Jesus Christ and are willing to serve others in keeping the first and second commandments."
The Salvador Brazil Temple is now the 199th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and marks the 11th such establishment in Brazil. Another 12 temples are either announced or under construction. Previously, Elder Andersen dedicated the Brasília Brazil Temple in September 2023.
Accompanying Elder Andersen were his wife Kathy; Elder Mathias Held, General Authority Seventy; his wife Irene; Elder Ciro Schmeil, General Authority Seventy; and his wife Alessandra.
Elder Andersen paid tribute to devoted members who previously traveled long distances to worship at the São Paulo temple. He stated, “We honor those Saints who traveled sometimes 12 hours per day for three days to worship in the temple or rode buses 36 hours straight to serve there.” He emphasized that now "the house of the Lord is closer to 36 minutes away than 36 hours."
In a reference to scriptural teachings about signs preceding significant events, Elder Andersen mentioned how faithful individuals once anticipated signs before Christ's birth. He linked this anticipation with current teachings by President Russell M. Nelson regarding preparations for Christ’s Second Coming: “In the very same way, we now look, and we will also say, ‘He came.’”
President Nelson had announced plans for this temple back in October 2018. It spans an area of 29,963 square feet on a site measuring 4.6 acres. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 7, 2021, followed by a public open house from August 22 through September 7, 2024.
Brazil hosts nearly 1.5 million Latter-day Saints across more than 2,100 congregations with other functioning temples including Belém, Brasília, Campinas among others while additional temples remain under construction or planned.
