The Groundbreaking for the Brazzaville Republic of the Congo Temple, A New House of the Lord in the Africa Central Area

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On Saturday, 23 August 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially held the        Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Brazzaville Republic of the Congo Temple. This significant event represents a historic milestone in advancing the Lord's purposes for the Republic of the Congo and the Africa Central Area. The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, a General Authority Seventy and the Africa Central Area President. This temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the April 3, 2022 general conference, in an inspired message calling members to focus on the eternal blessings.

This solemn occasion comes nearly 33 years after another significant event, the dedication of the land for the preaching of the restored gospel, which occurred on August 24, 1992, and was presided over by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On that day, in a serene setting atop a hill overlooking the rapids of the Congo River, Elder Scott, accompanied by Elder Russell M. Nelson, who is now the President of the Church, addressed a small gathering of 65 members and leaders from three branches. He invoked heavenly blessings upon the land and its people, dedicating it to the establishment of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Since that prophetic prayer, the Church has witnessed extraordinary growth. From just three branches in 1992, it has now expanded to nearly 14,000 members across approximately 40 congregations nationwide. This remarkable growth is a testament to the faithfulness of the Congolese Saints and the guiding hand of the Lord in this work.

Inspirational Messages from Speakers

Many speakers delivered inspirational messages during this event.

Brother Mpandou Boris Martineau, a young man from the Diata Stake, testified about the significance of the temple for him and his family. He expressed, "My family and I were blessed to be sealed in the Kinshasa Temple. Today, I am happy because a temple will be built here in Brazzaville, allowing us to enter it again as a family."

Sister Stéphanie Gamfina, from the Brazzaville Stake, shared her personal experiences of faith and spiritual preparation, emphasizing the importance of the temple as the Lord's house on earth. She stated, "The greatest work we can do as parents is to make our home a piece of heaven on earth."

Brother Casimir Boyembe, also from the Brazzaville Stake, highlighted the significance of the temple as well as the importance and responsibility of service in the Lord's work. He urged, "Let's not wait for others to come and do the work for us. The Lord is waiting for us to perform the ordinances."

A local choir performed the hymn “I Love to See the Temple,” enhancing the spirit of reverence and hope among participants.

Elder Mutombo's Address

After the hymn, Elder Mutombo addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude to everyone who joined the ceremony, particularly the government officials present. He stated:

"We are grateful to the government officials who wisely uphold the principles of religious freedom."

He then encouraged those in attendance to grasp the spiritual significance of the event:

"Many people are not here today and may not even know what has occurred. They may not fully understand the importance of building a House of the Lord in this country. However, I testify to you, my brothers and sisters, that something special occurs when a temple is constructed in a location. The powers of heaven are manifest in the sacred ordinances performed in the temple, and the Republic of the Congo will be forever changed. For wherever a temple is built, the power of the devil diminishes, and the light of Christ shines brighter."

Dedicatory Prayer and Groundbreaking Ceremony

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, addressing God the Father, delivered the dedicatory prayer for the site, powerfully affirming, "...under the direction of your living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, in the name of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and by the authority of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood which I hold, I dedicate and consecrate this land to you. May it be holy and sacred, intended for the construction of your holy house here in Brazzaville..." 

Following this prayer, the symbolic groundbreaking took place, marking the official commencement of the temple construction.

The Brazzaville Republic of the Congo Temple, the first of its kind in the country, will not only serve members in the Republic of the Congo but also those in Cameroon, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. It is set to become a spiritual beacon for Central Africa, a place where families can receive sacred ordinances and be sealed together for eternity.