The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is opening for public tours. The free public open house begins Tuesday, March 12, 2019 and ends Saturday, March 30, 2019, excluding the Sundays of March 17 and 24. Dedicatory services will be held Sunday, April 14, 2019. A youth devotional with Church leadership is planned for Saturday, April 13, 2019. It will be broadcast to all congregations of the Church in the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple District.
Members of the media as well as local dignitaries and government leaders are invited for a special preview of the temple on Monday prior to the public open house.
This will be the fourth operating temple in Africa. The three other temples currently operating are in Johannesburg, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; and Aba, Nigeria. The Durban South Africa Temple is under construction. Plans have been announced to build temples in Harare, Zimbabwe; Nairobi, Kenya; and the Abidjan Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire).
The sacred edifice located in the Quartier Bosoko, Ngaliema, area of Kinshasa is situated on nearly five acres. Stone from Egypt and porcelain tile from South Africa cover the floors of the building, which is over 12,000 square feet. The interior design features a subtle elegant geometric and diamond motif. Landscaping offers a vibrant array of local flora in contrast to the white plaster exterior and zinc roof.
The Church currently has 201 temples in operation, announced, under construction or being renovated around the world. The Kinshasa temple will be the 163rd operating temple. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differ from meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services.
Temples are considered “houses of the Lord” where Jesus Christ’s teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow man.
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