Coordinates: 40°24′0.323999″N 3°37′53.68800″W / 40.40008999972°N 3.63158°W / 40.40008999972; -3.63158 The Madrid Spain Temple is the 56th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
The Madrid Spain Temple, built in Moratalaz, a district of Madrid, was announced in 1996. This temple is the centerpiece of a complex built on more than 3 acres (1.2 ha) of land which includes a missionary training center, an institute, temple patron housing, a distribution center, a Family History Center, and underground parking.
The Mormon temple in Madrid is a highly visible symbol of the Church's presence in Spain. During the open house over 100,000 community members and government officials toured the temple, including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía.
LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley went to Spain to dedicate the Madrid Spain Temple and had his third visit with the King and Queen. At his visit in 1992 he presented them with a special gift created by well-known Spanish artists: a Lladro figurine of the Christus, modeled after the original by Bertel Thorvaldsen. Jose Lladro, president of the Lladro Company, had personally delivered the first five issues of the figurine to President Hinckley at the Madrid Spain Temple site. One of the five figurines is now on permanent display in the temple foyer.
President Hinckley dedicated the temple on 19 March 1999. The Madrid Spain Temple has a total of 45,800 square feet (4,250 m2), four ordinance rooms, and four sealing rooms.
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“last time I saw you was the hospital
pale skull protruding under ashen skin
blue veined unconscious girl
in an oxygen tent
the war in Spain has ended long ago
Aunt Rose”
—Allen Ginsberg (b. 1926)
“But what we gain’d in Skill we lost in Strength.
Our Builders were with Want of Genius curst;
The second Temple was not like the first;
Till you, the best Vitruvius, come at length,
Our Beauties equal, but excel our Strength.”
—John Dryden (1631–1700)