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SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and community members recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Durban South Africa Temple.
At the groundbreaking for South Africa’s second temple, Elder Carl B. Cook of the Seventy and president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area presided, and his wife joined him. Others in attendance include Elder Stanley G. Ellis and Elder Kevin S. Hamilton of the area presidency, their wives, dignitaries and community leaders, according to the LDS Church.
"Today the ceremonial shovels will turn the soil, and the construction of the temple will begin,” Elder Cook said. “We can likewise begin building. We can build our personal lives in preparation for the temple. Today we can increase our faith, we can increase our obedience to God, and serve Him more fully.”
The public will be able to tour the temple after its completion and before its dedication. Open house and dedication dates will be announced at a later date.
There are currently more than 61,000 Mormons in South Africa. President Thomas S. Monson announced the Durban South Africa Temple in 2011.
