Elder Rasband Dedicates First Temple in Nicaragua

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Managua Nicaragua Temple on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, establishing the first house of the Lord in Nicaragua. The dedicatory service, attended by hundreds of Latter-day Saints in person and thousands more via broadcast, marked a historic milestone for the Central American nation and its people.

A Historic Milestone for Nicaragua

The dedication of the Managua temple, which is the 226th temple in operation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide, fulfills a prophetic promise made by Church President Russell M. Nelson. In a 2012 meeting, Nelson told Nicaraguan members that he promised a temple would be provided when they were ready. Prior reporting by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints noted that President Nelson first announced plans to build the Managua Nicaragua Temple during the April 2018 General Conference.

During the dedicatory session, Elder Rasband reflected on the growth of the Church in Nicaragua and the spiritual blessings provided by temple worship. He described the temple as a sacred place where individuals can draw closer to Jesus Christ through sacred ordinances and covenants. "One by one, we present ourselves at the entrance and are invited into the Lord’s house," Rasband said. "One by one, we receive ordinances and make covenants. One by one, we may feel lifted, reminded, and renewed in our spiritual journey, receiving greater hope and strength from the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Community and Leadership Reactions

The ceremony was attended by a group of high-ranking Church officials, including Elder Rasband's wife, Melanie. Also present were Elder Mark D. Eddy, a member of the Temple Department Executive Committee, and his wife, Annette; and Elder Ryan K. Olsen, a member of the Central America Area Presidency, accompanied by his wife, Julie.

Elder Ryan K. Olsen remarked on the significant impact the temple has had on the local community during its open house period. He noted that many visitors, including government officials and educators, embraced the building as a religious monument and a blessing for the nation. Olsen observed that for many, the arrival of the temple represents the fulfillment of the Spanish expression "Por fin"—finally.

End of Long-Distance Travel

For many years, faithful Latter-day Saints in Nicaragua were required to travel long distances to participate in temple services. Members frequently crossed international borders to visit temples in Guatemala, Mexico, Arizona, and even Utah to receive sacred ordinances. The establishment of the Managua temple ensures these blessings are now available within the nation.

Elder Olsen highlighted the perseverance of generations of Nicaraguan Saints who helped prepare the way for this day. He noted that the Church's presence in the country has grown significantly since the arrival of the first missionaries in the 1950s. Today, Nicaragua is home to nearly 107,000 Latter-day Saints organized into 109 congregations, including 12 stakes and four districts.

An Invitation to the Youth

Elder Rasband used his message to invite the rising generation—including youth and new converts—to prepare for temple ordinances and missionary service. He encouraged young men and women to consider their roles in the gathering of Israel and to prioritize spiritual preparation despite school or family commitments.

He also outlined three principles for enriching temple worship: setting aside worldly concerns to find peace in the Lord's presence, participating in the gathering of Israel by researching family history, and seeking Jesus Christ through the temple's sacred ordinances. "Come often to the temple—let its light bless your whole life," Rasband told the congregation.

Temple Design and Architecture

The Managua Nicaragua Temple is the seventh temple in Central America and is constructed on an 8.9-acre site on the highway to Masaya. The structure is clad in cream-colored Fatima limestone and features a single attached central spire. Inside, the design draws inspiration from regional elements, such as colors found in traditional handcrafted textiles, including hues of terracotta, cream, yellow, and green.

Architectural motifs include the Plumeria rubra, known locally as the sacuanjoche, which is Nicaragua’s national flower. The interior features mahogany and teak millwork, with art-glass windows that incorporate gems and sunlight effects. The flooring consists of Crema Marfil and Cambria stone, complemented by nylon carpeting and hand-woven wool rugs.

Public Open House Details

The temple's dedication follows a period of public access. A public open house was held from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 26, 2026, following a media day on Monday, September 7, 2026. More than 43,600 people attended the open house events.