President Thomas S. Monson, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has dedicated its second temple in the Philippines. The newest temple is located in Cebu, the largest city in the Cebu province.
Prior to the dedication, President Monson sealed the temple cornerstone, a tradition marking the end of construction and the beginning of the sacred work inside the temple.
“It’s a beautiful temple,” said President Monson, of the Church’s 133rd operating temple. “It sits as a beacon on the hill.”
Before the Cebu City Philippines Temple was dedicated, Latter-day Saints traveled from all over the country to attend the Manila temple. Now, more than 200,000 members of the Church living in the Visayas and Mindanao areas will be served by the Cebu temple.
Also attending the dedicatory services were President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency; Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop of the Church; and Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy.
Saturday evening, a cultural celebration was held at which more than 3,000 people between the ages of 12 and 18 retold the rich cultural history of the area through song and dance.
Prior to the dedication, more than 45,000 people from many faiths were given a guided tour of the temple during a two-week open house.