Durban South Africa Temple

Last updated
Durban South Africa Temple
Front view of the Durban Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.jpg
Durban South Africa Temple
Number168
Dedication16 February 2020, by Ronald A. Rasband
Site14.49 acres (5.86 ha)
Floor area19,860 sq ft (1,845 m2)
Height97.4 ft (29.7 m)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
←
Arequipa Peru Temple
Durban South Africa Temple		 →
Winnipeg Manitoba Temple
Additional information
Announced1 October 2011, by Thomas S. Monson [1] [2]
Groundbreaking9 April 2016 [3] , by Carl B. Cook
Open house22 January-1 February 2020
Current presidentEdward W. Baldwin [4]
Location Umhlanga, South Africa
Geographic coordinates 29°42′31″S31°04′27″E / 29.7085°S 31.0743°E / -29.7085; 31.0743
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms1
Sealing rooms1
( edit )

The Durban South Africa Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Durban, South Africa. [5] The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on 1 October 2011. [6] The temple was announced concurrently with the Barranquilla Colombia, Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo, Star Valley Wyoming, and Provo City Center temples. [5] When announced, this increased the total number of temples worldwide to 166 and the number in South Africa to two.

Contents

The temple has a single attached end spire with an angel Moroni statue. [7] The temple’s architects were Brian Everett NWL and Sagnelli and Paton Taylor JV. [8] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on April 9, 2016, conducted by Carl B. Cook, a church general authority. [9]

History

The temple was announced by Thomas S. Monson on October 1, 2011. [10] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, took place on 9 April 2016, with Carl B. Cook presiding. [3] Following construction, the LDS Church announced on 18 June 2019 that a public open house would be held from 22 January through 1 February 2020, excluding Sunday. [11] The temple was dedicated on 16 February 2020 by Ronald A. Rasband. [12] It was the last temple dedicated before the church stopped all dedications and rededications for 20 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [13] Just after its dedication, like all others in the church, the temple was closed due to the pandemic. [14]

Design and architecture

The temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of Durban and its spiritual significance to the church. [15]

The temple sits on a 14.49-acre plot located north of the Umhlanga city center, in the Izinga development. [7] The indigenous landscaping around the temple features trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers. There are over 800 trees on the grounds, including king palms and coral trees. [16] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.

The structure stands 97 feet tall, constructed with marble. [7] The exterior has fluted stone panels with geometric carvings drawn from the region’s African roots. [11] The temple also has a pitched red clay tile roof, a design element it shares with the houses in the surrounding neighborhood. [15]

The interior “features more than 50 art pieces, with many depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as various African landscapes.” [13] It also includes marble floors inscribed with tribal geometric patterns, and rugs with a South African basket weaving design. [13] [16]

The temple includes one sealing room, one instruction room, and one baptistry, [7] each designed for ceremonial use.

The design uses symbolic elements representing the heritage of the Durban region. Symbolism is important to church members and include the carved patterns on the temple’s exterior and its floors, which are intended to represent traditional African geometric designs. [15]

Temple presidents

The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff. [17] The first president and matron, serving from 2020 to 2022, were Leon A. Holmes Elizabeth A. Holmes. [17] [18] As of 2024, the temple’s president and matron are Edward W. Baldwin and Vanessa A. Baldwin. [19]

Admittance

Following the completion of the temple, a public open house was held from January 22 to February 1, 2020 (excluding Sundays). [11] The temple was dedicated by Ronald A. Rasband on February 16, 2020, in three sessions. [8]

Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. [11] [20]

See also

South Africa adm location map.svg
ButtonRed.svg
ButtonRed.svg
Durban
ButtonYellow.svg
class=notpageimage|
Temples in South Africa
Red = Operating
Blue = Under Construction
Yellow = announced
Black = Closed for Renovations

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Ontario Temple</span> Latter-day Saints temple in Canada

The Toronto Ontario Temple is the 44th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced to local leaders on the morning of April 7, 1984, and then referenced by Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor in the First Presidency, during the general conference session which followed. It was the second temple built in Canada, becoming the first country in the world, outside the United States, to have two temples in its borders.

Below is a chronological list of temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with sortable columns. In the LDS Church, a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord and considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth. Upon completion, temples are usually open to the public for a short period of time, and then each is dedicated as a "House of the Lord," after which only members with a current temple recommend are permitted to enter. Thus, they are not churches or meetinghouses, but rather specialized places of worship. The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 202 dedicated temples, 3 scheduled for dedication, 51 under construction, 2 scheduled for groundbreaking, and 112 others announced. Within temples, members of the LDS Church make covenants, receive instructions, and perform rituals and ordinances. Additionally, members consider the temple a place to commune with God, seek God's aid, understand God's will, and receive personal revelation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rexburg Idaho Temple</span>

The Rexburg Idaho Temple is the 125th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced by the First Presidency on December 12, 2003, in a letter to local church leaders. The temple was the third in Idaho, and the first in the state in the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilbert Arizona Temple</span> LDS Church temple in Arizona

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3301 South Greenfield Road, at the corner of East Pecos Road in Gilbert, Arizona. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 26, 2008, by church president Thomas S. Monson in a press release. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held in 2010. The temple was designed by the architectural firm Architekton. The temple was dedicated in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winnipeg Manitoba Temple</span> Latter-day Saint temple in Manitoba, Canada

The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 2, 2011, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference. The temple is the ninth to be built in Canada, the first in Manitoba, and the church’s 169th overall. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on December 3, 2016, conducted by Larry Y. Wilson, a church general authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paris France Temple</span> LDS Church temple in Le Chesnay, Paris, France

The Paris France Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Le Chesnay, a suburb of Paris, France, and is located near Versailles. On July 15, 2011, the church released a statement declaring the intent to build a temple in Paris. The Paris France Temple was officially announced on October 1, 2011, by church president Thomas S. Monson during the general conference. The Paris France Temple is the first temple built in Metropolitan France, and the second in France, after the Papeete Tahiti Temple.

The Barranquilla Colombia Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Puerto Colombia, Colombia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Provo City Center Temple</span> Latter-day Saint temple in Provo, Utah, United States

The Provo City Center Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, built on the site of the former Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Completed in 2016, the temple uses much of the external shell of the tabernacle that remained from the original building after a fire in December 2010. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 1, 2011, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during the church's general conference. The temple is the second in Provo, was the sixteenth in Utah, and the church's 150th worldwide. This temple has a distinctive exterior with Gothic-inspired stained glass windows. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on May 12, 2012, conducted by Jeffrey R. Holland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star Valley Wyoming Temple</span> Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Star Valley Wyoming Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Afton, Wyoming. The intent to build the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on October 1, 2011. The temple was announced concurrently with the Barranquilla Colombia, Durban South Africa, Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Provo City Center temples. When announced, the total number of temples worldwide increased to 166. When dedicated in 2016, it became the church's 154th operating temple, and the first in Wyoming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangkok Thailand Temple</span> LDS Church temple in Bangkok, Thailand

The Bangkok Thailand Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bangkok, Thailand. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 5, 2015, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference. The temple is the first in mainland southeast Asia. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on January 26, 2019, conducted by Robert C. Gay. enrichment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cedar City Utah Temple</span>

The Cedar City Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedar City, Utah, United States. The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on April 6, 2013, during general conference. The temple was announced concurrently with the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple. At the time, this brought the total number of temples worldwide to 170. It is the 17th temple built in Utah.

The Rio de Janeiro Brazil is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 6, 2013, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference. It is the eighth temple in Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tucson Arizona Temple</span> LDS Church temple

The Tucson Arizona Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, just north of Tucson. The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on October 6, 2012, during general conference. The temple is the sixth in Arizona, following those in Mesa, Snowflake, Gila Valley, Gilbert, and Phoenix.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quito Ecuador Temple</span>

The Quito Ecuador Temple is the 175th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in Cumbayá, Ecuador, just east of Quito. It is the church's second temple in the country, after the Guayaquil Ecuador Temple. It was both announced and dedicated on the same day as the Belém Brazil Temple, with the latter being dedicated several hours before. Prior to the announcement of this temple, Ecuador was the country with the highest number of church members with only one temple.

The Belém Brazil Temple is the 174th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is located in Belém, Brazil, and is the ninth in the country. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 3, 2016, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on August 17, 2019, conducted by Marcos A. Aidukaitis, a church general authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saratoga Springs Utah Temple</span>

The Saratoga Springs Utah Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Saratoga Springs, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 2, 2017, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference. The temple is the 18th in Utah and the fifth in Utah County. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on October 19, 2019, conducted by Craig C. Christensen, a church general authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Layton Utah Temple</span>

The Layton Utah Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Layton, Utah. The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Russell M. Nelson on April 1, 2018, during the 188th general conference. The Layton Utah Temple was announced concurrently with 6 other temples. At the time, the number of total operating or announced temples was 189. It is the 22nd temple in Utah and the second temple in Davis County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocatello Idaho Temple</span> Mormon temple in the United States

The Pocatello Idaho Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pocatello, Idaho, the sixth in that state. It has a single attached central spire, topped with a statue of the angel Moroni. It was designed by FFKR Architects and church architects Scott Bleak and Joshua Stewart, using streamlined Classical architecture. Construction concluded in 2021, and the temple was dedicated the same year.

The Brasilia Brazil Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brasilia, Brazil. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 2, 2017, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference.The temple is the 10th to be built in Brazil.

References

  1. ↑ Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). "LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Retrieved 20 April 2022..
  2. ↑ "Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa". Washington Post. AP. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011..
  3. 1 2 "Ground Broken for Durban South Africa Temple: Construction to begin on the nation's second temple", Newsroom, LDS Church, 9 April 2016
  4. ↑ "New Temple Leaders Called to Serve in 2022", Newsroom, LDS Church, 24 October 2022 [26 May 2022], retrieved 24 October 2022
  5. 1 2 Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). "LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Retrieved 19 April 2022..
  6. ↑ "Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa". Washington Post. AP. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011..
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Durban South Africa Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  8. 1 2 "'We were one people today — the people of Jesus Christ,' says Elder Rasband at Durban temple dedication". Church News. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  9. ↑ "Groundbreaking for Durban South Africa Temple". Church News. 14 April 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  10. ↑ Church, President Thomas S. Monson President of the. "As We Meet Again". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Durban South Africa Temple Open House and Dedication Dates Announced: January and February 2020", Newsroom, LDS Church, 18 June 2019
  12. ↑ "South Africa's Second Temple is Dedicated", Newsroom, LDS Church, 16 February 2020
  13. 1 2 3 "Durban South Africa Temple". Church News. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  14. ↑ Stack, Peggy Fletcher. "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus", The Salt Lake Tribune , 26 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  15. 1 2 3 "See Inside the New Durban South Africa Temple - Church News and Events". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  16. 1 2 "Durban South Africa Temple" (PDF). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2019.
  17. 1 2 "Presidents and Matrons of the Durban South Africa Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  18. ↑ "Meet the new temple president and matron called to serve in South Africa". Church News. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  19. ↑ "Read about the new leaders of temples in South Africa, Canada, Italy and more". Church News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  20. ↑ www.churchofjesuschrist.org https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/inside-temples?lang=eng . Retrieved 7 December 2024.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.