Groundbreaking Ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was held on Friday, February 12, 2016. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided. During his remarks, he recognized the sacredness of the occasion, saying it would be a day long remembered in the country. "This holy house will also bless the country and the people who surround it, whether or not they are members of the Church. It will be a light upon a hill, and the glory of the Lord will be upon it." He recognized the goodness of the people of Africa, stating: "They are a spiritual people. They trust in God and they pray to God. Our Heavenly Father loves His sons and daughters here and answers their prayers." Several civic and religious leaders were in attendance among the many members.1

Temple Site

The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple stands next to the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake Center on land that was reserved for several years for a future temple. An institute and seminary building also operates on the 10-acre property.

Temple Announcement

At the opening session of the October 2011 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced plans for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple.2

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced rapid membership growth since the first stake of the Church in Kinshasa was created in 1996. There are currently 13 stakes in the combined conurbation of Kinshasa-Brazzaville with a total of 23 stakes and 3 districts in the countries of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo. The Saints of this region, where long-distance travel is exceptionally difficult, live over 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) away from their assigned temple in Johannesburg, South Africa. The temple will be a tremendous blessing to the thousands of Church members spread throughout the vast region of Central Africa.

Temple Facts

The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was the fourth temple built in Africa and the first built in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The steeple of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was designed to support the weight of an angel Moroni statue as a possible future addition.