What secrets are kept by the “temple for the elect,” where only “special” Mormons are allowed
To the north of the Mexican capital, literally a few minutes drive from local attractions – the zoo and the Aragon forest, is a mysterious object of very large size. The bright building of unusual shape contrasts sharply with the local landscape. Well, passing tourists just wonder: what is it?
The locals can answer this question: this strange building is nothing more than a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church (or rather, its largest branch). Mexico ranks second in the world after America in the number of adherents of this religious movement (here there are more than a million), although it entered the country relatively recently – in the second half of the last century. So the construction of such an impressive temple has become a very important event at the national level for all Mormons in the country.
In addition to its whiteness, the building is distinguished by a very unusual architecture: the motifs of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico are clearly visible in it, which radically distinguishes it from other Mormon temples. For example, one of its facades is made in the style of the Mayan culture.
But most striking is the figure of Moroni, which rises at the very top of the building. It is made of bronze and has a height of at least six meters, and weighs, according to its creators, one and a half tons. Moroni is one of the most famous symbols of the Mormons, and even, one might say, the brand. This character is considered to be a prophet and an angel, who, as Mormons believe, many years ago appeared to the founder of their church, Joseph Smith, and presented him signs with information from the Book of Mormon, a scripture that is sacred to the followers of this church, like the Bible.
Construction of a huge temple began in 1979, and in 1983 it was consecrated. It was originally planned that there will be weddings, baptisms, as well as educational activities, but in the end the temple turned into a very closed place.
Only the site on which the temple stands is worth tens of millions of pesos, which speaks of the impressive solvency of the Mormons, as the adherents of the church themselves financed the project. However, large donations are quite common for representatives of such cults and sects (for example, Scientologists).
Over time, the temple became the exclusive place for the Mormons of the highest hierarchy. These are those who have made and are making a significant monetary contribution, or those who are identified in the Mormon church as “the most worthy”. Such “elitism”, as well as the designation of who is worthy or not worthy of entering the walls of the temple, led to the fact that all sorts of legends arise around this building and its secrecy, as well as rumors that it is located in a “special” area. In general, much about this temple remains secret even to ordinary members of the Mormon church.
Well, tourists perceive this building simply as a local architectural landmark and like to photograph it from different angles, because in the pictures it looks very impressive.
