Not far from Alejandro's home is Mexico City's Mormon temple (or more correctly, the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). On my last day in Mexico, while taking a walk in the neighborhood, I realized that I had never posted any photos of this area landmark.
The Mormons have long had a presence and interest in Mexico, and their membership of over one million followers is second only to the United States. I am not going to make any personal comments on Mormon theology, but they believe that that Native Americans, including the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico, were the descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel, and that, after his death and resurrection, Jesus visited the Americas.
The Mexico City temple was begun in 1979 and completed in 1983. It has more than a passing resemblance to a pre-Hispanic pyramid, and the architectural details are clearly inspired by the buildings of ancient America.
The spire is topped with a statue of the angel Moroni, who according to their beliefs, revealed the golden plates which tell the story of the ancient peoples of the Americas.
The temple is part of a seven-acre compound. While walking by, I saw more buildings behind the temple which I had never noticed while driving by.
Only members of the Mormon faith are allowed to enter the temple. However, next door is a visitors' center which is open to the public. (And where I am sure they hope to attract new converts.)
The sign outside this smaller church-like building says that it is an "Institute of Religion". There are numerous Mormon churches throughout the city, and they all look exactly like this building.
The property also includes this apartment building which serves as housing for young missionaries.
No comments:
Post a Comment