SAO PAULO, Brazil — Almost 26 years after its dedication and after being closed for renovation for a year and a half, the historic Sao Paulo Brazil Temple was rededicated on Feb. 22, 2004, by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
He was accompanied by President James E. Faust of the First Presidency, a former Brazilian missionary.
When the temple was built, from 1976 to 1978, it was the first — and for five years the only — temple in South America. This, the Church's 17th temple, received people from all over the continent.
Some members traveled for days by car across this nation the size of continental United States, some arrived by bus after weeks of travel, and some even came by boats along the Amazon River and its tributaries to receive temple blessings. For thousands of Brazilians the Sao Paulo Temple has special significance and is part of their family history. Many made significant personal sacrifices to contribute when the temple was under construction. Their affection for the temple continues after three other temples have been dedicated in this land.
"We sang in the choir during the first dedication in 1978 and today we were able to sing again and feel the same emotion," said Humberto Silveira.
The rededication had only one session, but it was transmitted to 184 stake centers and 13 districts all over the country, allowing thousands of worthy members to participate in the ceremony. "The chapels became an extension of the temple and the members could remember again the covenants made and this helped to strengthen and unify the families," affirmed Elder Adhemar Damiani, president of the Brazil North Area.
Members of the Brazil South Area presidency, Elders Neil L. Andersen, Mervyn B. Arnold and Paulo R. Grahl, spoke at the service. Also attending was Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency. She accompanied her father, Elder Wm. Grant Bangerter, an emeritus General Authority, former missionary and mission president, and mother, Geraldine Hamblin Bangerter. Her husband, Ramon Beck, also attended. Sister Beck and Elder Bangerter also spoke at the dedicatory service. Elder J. Kent Jolley, formerly of the Seventy and president of the temple, also spoke.
President Hinckley emphasized the importance of not allowing anything to impede the members from going to the temple and regularly participating in the ordinances.
President Faust, reflecting on his long association with Brazil, explained that every time he returns to the country he sees the future of the Church in Brazil to be even stronger. He emphasized that the Church, as large as it is, is only in its beginning.
"The events of this weekend will strengthen, build and elevate the Church in every part of the huge country of Brazil," President Faust said. "All those members who participated in person or by satellite have witnessed that the Church is a powerful force for everything that is good. No one who has seen the growth of the Church in our time can deny that the Lord has had His hand in this great work, and that He is head of the Church."
When the temple was dedicated in 1978, Brazil had a Church membership of some 51,000 and 12 stakes. At year end 2003, it had some 867,000 members in 184 stakes.
Although attendance in the temple and nearby facilities was extremely limited, members came to Sao Paulo from throughout the nation for the rededication. Some were young people and others were pioneer members.
"I left there with the desire to be better, much better," said long-time member Cibele Bitencourt after the rededicatory session.
Many children who had been only recently baptized in the Church participated. Among them was Lilian Amato, 8, wearing the white dress in which she was baptized last October. "I am very happy to be here and one day I want to be married in this temple," Lilian said.
On the other hand, Alfredo Lima Vaz, 77, was baptized in 1941 and was the first Brazilian to serve a mission. He traveled from Campinas to Sao Paulo, about two hours by car. "I am so happy to be here with my friend President Hinckley," he said. "He and I worked together in the translation of the Doctrine and Covenants into Portuguese."
Following the dedication, in a tender reunion, President Hinckley gave his friend a Brazilian "abrao" (hug).
Former General Authorities from Brazil, including Elders Helio da Rocha Camargo, Helvecio Martins and Athos Amorim, were also present and recalled significant moments in the history of the Church in Brazil.
