Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Managua Nicaragua Temple on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, providing the nation with its first house of the Lord. The dedication, which coincided with the dedication of the Montpelier Idaho Temple, follows a public open house held from Sept. 10 through Sept. 26, 2026.
Spiritual Impact and Dedication
During the dedicatory service, Elder Rasband reflected on the spiritual significance of the new edifice for the people of Nicaragua. He noted that the temple provides a sacred space where individuals can receive ordinances and make covenants, stating that the experience can lift, remind, and renew participants in their spiritual journeys.
Elder Rasband, who was assigned to dedicate the temple by President Dallin H. Oaks, emphasized that the temple helps individuals focus on Jesus Christ. He encouraged attendees to set aside worldly concerns and seek peace in the presence of the Lord. He also highlighted the importance of the gathering of Israel, inviting members to find the names of ancestors and bring them to the temple to foster a love for family history and temple service among rising generations.
A Long-Awaited Milestone
The Managua Nicaragua Temple is the 226th temple dedicated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide. For many years, faithful members in Nicaragua were required to travel long distances to attend temple services, often crossing international borders to reach temples in Guatemala, Honduras, or as far as Arizona and Utah.
Elder Ryan K. Olsen, a General Authority Seventy and member of the Church’s Central America Area presidency, noted that the new temple brings these blessings much closer to home, turning journeys that once took days into trips that take only hours. Elder Olsen observed that the temple has become a source of pride for the local community, with non-members also viewing the building as a significant religious monument for the nation.
Historical Context and Growth
The temple’s construction follows a history of growth for the Church in Nicaragua, which began with missionary work in December 1953. The Managua Branch was established in November 1954, the Nicaraguan District was organized in 1959, and the Managua Stake was organized in March 1981. Today, the country is home to approximately 109,000 Latter-day Saints organized into more than 100 wards and branches.
President Russell M. Nelson first announced the plans for the Managua temple on April 1, 2018, during his first general conference as President of the Church. The announcement fulfilled what many members described as the dreams and prayers of thousands of Saints in the country. The groundbreaking for the temple took place on Nov. 26, 2022, and was presided over by Elder Taylor G. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy and then first counselor in the Central America Area presidency.
Architectural Design and Features
The single-story, 24,500-square-foot structure is located on an 8.9-acre site at Km 9,3 Carretera Masaya in Managua. The building is clad in cream-colored Fatima limestone and features a single attached central spire, reaching an elevation of 99.4 feet.
Architectural designs throughout the temple draw inspiration from regional elements, specifically the colors found in traditional handcrafted textiles. The interior features hues of terracotta, cream, yellow, and green. A prominent motif in the design is the Plumeria rubra flower, known locally as the sacuanjoche, which is Nicaragua’s national flower. This motif is visible on a column within the edifice. Other interior details include art-glass windows with floral designs, crystal chandeliers, and wooden millwork crafted from mahogany and teak.
Community and Youth Invitation
The temple's dedication was attended by hundreds of Latter-day Saints, while thousands of others participated via broadcasts in local meetinghouses. Elder Rasband was accompanied by his wife, Melanie, as well as Elder Mark D. Eddy and Elder Ryan K. Olsen, along with their wives.
In his remarks, Elder Rasband expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Nicaragua, recalling a visit to the country in 2017. He also reflected on the care shown to the Nicaraguan people by both President Nelson and President Oaks. He extended an invitation to the youth and new converts in Central America to prepare for temple ordinances and consider missionary service as they plan their futures.
Temple Facilities
The Managua Nicaragua Temple stands as the seventh temple in Central America. The facility includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The temple's completion marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Church's presence in the region.
Public Participation
The temple's public open house phase, which began on Sept. 10, 2026, saw an attendance of more than 43,600 people. This period allowed the community to tour the interior and learn about the blessings associated with temple worship before the official dedication.
