Progress on the construction of Chile House of Worship
The view of the Chile House of Worship from the city of Santiago.
From the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, 26 November 2013:
We are delighted to share news of the progress on the construction of the continental House of Worship for South America rising in the foothills of the Andes in Chile. With the completion of the complex three-storey structure and underground service tunnel, for which more than 2,000 cubic metres of concrete and 190 tonnes of reinforced steel were required and which itself marked the passing of a significant milestone, the next major phase has now opened: the erection of the Temple’s distinctive superstructure. Its precisely designed components – including the multitude of connecting steel parts forming the structural frame to be anchored into the mezzanine floor, the exterior envelope made of cast-glass pieces to be mounted on some 3,200 aluminium frames, and the over 8,000 robotically milled flat and curved panels of translucent stone that are to clad the Temple’s interior – are being fashioned in several facilities and shipped in successive waves to Chile for assembly and installation by a small small team of engineers now working on-site together with local contractors, staff, and volunteers.Discernible on the horizon from the city of Santiago is the structure’s central scaffolding tower, upon which has been hoisted into prominent position the steel oculus ring that will unite eighteen arched tubular columns at the uppermost point of the edifice – this in anticipation of the day when beneath it, drawing the eye of every visitor gathered for worship, will appear the familiar contours of the Greatest Name.
Installation of the nine wings of the steel structure of the superstructure of the Chile temple.
The continued prayers and outpouring of financial contributions from friends everywhere labouring in service to the Cause will undoubtedly ensure the sustained momentum of this collective enterprise.
