Where It's Located
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple is located at 7 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa. The temple sits on a 1-acre site atop Parktown Ridge, overlooking the city and surrounded by Johannesburg's famous jacaranda trees. The grounds also include patron housing, a distribution center, and area Church offices. There is no visitors' center or arrival center on site.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), located about 15 miles (24 km) east of the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Johannesburg with one-stop flights through major international hubs such as Atlanta, New York, London, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai, or Addis Ababa. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple was announced by President Spencer W. Kimball on April 1, 1981. It became the first temple built in Africa and marked a historic milestone by bringing a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to every inhabited continent for the first time. The announcement came less than three years after the 1978 revelation extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy men regardless of race.
Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on November 27, 1982, with Elder Marvin J. Ashton presiding. More than 19,000 visitors attended the public open house before President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on August 24–25, 1985, making it the 36th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nearly 3,500 members from across southern Africa attended the dedicatory services.
For many years, the Johannesburg South Africa Temple was the only operating temple on the African continent, serving members from numerous countries across southern and central Africa. Today, it continues to serve members throughout the region while working alongside newer temples in Durban, Harare, and other locations.
Design and Architecture
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple contains approximately 19,184 square feet of floor space. Its exterior features a masonry finish with a gray slate roof and is distinguished by six detached white spires, with the tallest topped by an angel Moroni statue. Rising approximately 112 feet, the temple's unique design has become one of the most recognizable Church buildings in Africa.
Inside, the temple includes four instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The peaceful setting on Parktown Ridge, combined with its elegant architecture and landscaped grounds, provides a welcoming environment for members traveling from across southern Africa.
Final Thoughts
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple occupies a unique place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the first temple built in Africa, it opened the door to temple worship for generations of faithful members across the continent and marked the first time the Church had an operating temple on every inhabited continent. Its historic significance, distinctive six-spire design, and enduring service to southern Africa make it one of the Church's most important international temples.
Scott & Riah
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