With the dedication of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, Elder Neil L. Andersen honored the history of the area’s pioneers and also looked to the future blessings of a house of the Lord in Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles.
“There’s been a great heritage of faithfulness and devotion to the restored gospel,” Elder Andersen said in an interview before the dedication.
The Bacolod Philippines Temple was dedicated in a single session on Sunday, May 31, in the morning, and it was broadcast throughout the temple district, comprising the Negros and Panay islands. Patron housing, with a distribution center, is also on the grounds.
The session, which had translation for Hiligaynon, was rebroadcast later in the day. The temple is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 217th operating house of the Lord.
Elder Andersen was accompanied by his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen; Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Philippines Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Carol Wong; and Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Susan Bangerter. Elder Bangerter previously served in the Church’s Philippines Area presidency and was at the groundbreaking in December 2021.
Visit the Church News to learn more about the dedication.
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