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News Release

Temple Update: Ground Broken for Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple

Open house begins for house of the Lord in Hamilton, New Zealand

Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple

Ground was broken for the Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, Africa Central Area President, presided at the event.

“Dear friends, we are truly blessed to be in this land where we can worship God freely,” said Elder Carpenter. “We express our appreciation to the wise government leaders who uphold the standards of religious freedom and seek to create and sustain laws that support the sanctity and importance of the family and faith in God.”

The Lubumbashi Temple will be the second constructed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the first located in the southern part of the country. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was the first temple built in the nation. Learn more about the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking to the young men and women in the crowd, Elder Carpenter said, "This temple will be a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance as you prepare to receive your own temple blessings here and help your deceased ancestors to receive their temple blessings through proxy work.” 

Hamilton New Zealand Temple

The public is invited to tour the newly remodeled Hamilton New Zealand Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This historic building will be open to the public for the first time in more than 60 years.

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An aerial view of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The temple open house will run from Friday, August 26, 2022, to Saturday, September 17, 2022, except for Sundays.

The temple, originally dedicated on April 20, 1958, has been closed since July 2018 for extensive renovation. It was the first temple in New Zealand. Two more temples are currently under construction in the country. Learn more about the Church in New Zealand.

The temple rededication will take place on Sunday, October 16, 2022. In-person attendance at the rededication service is by invitation only.

Read more about the upcoming open house below.

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