SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Thursday that it is building its 385th temple in Otavalo, Ecuador.
Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency made the announcement, reading a statement from the church's First Presidency during a devotional in the city.
"This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and express gratitude for such a significant blessing — one that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord," Elder Villar said.
He said the location and timing for the temple will be announced later.
There are currently two Latter-day Saint temples in Ecuador: in Quito and Guayaquil. They were dedicated in 2022 and 1999.
The church sent its first missionaries to Ecuador in 1965, and the country now has 45 stakes, 338 congregations and 280,000 members.
Photos
Latter-day Saints in Otavalo, Ecuador, react to the news that a new temple will be built in their city on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saints in Otavalo, Ecuador, react to the news that a new temple will be built in their city on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saints in Otavalo, Ecuador, react to the news that a new temple will be built in their city on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency shares an announcement from the First Presidency that a new temple will be built in Otavalo, Ecuador, during a devotional on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saints in Otavalo, Ecuador, react to the news that a new temple will be built in their city on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency shares an announcement from the First Presidency that a new temple will be built in Otavalo, Ecuador, during a devotional on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saints in Otavalo, Ecuador, sing during a devotional in Otavalo on Thursday. A temple was announced in the city during the devotional.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets Latter-day Saints prior to a devotional in Otavalo, Ecuador, on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets Latter-day Saints prior to a devotional in Otavalo, Ecuador, on Thursday.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Emily Ashcraft is a reporter for KSL. She covers issues in state courts, health and religion. In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting, cycling and raising chickens.