Announcement
The Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the October 2019 General Conference on October 5, 2019. It will become the first temple in Papua New Guinea, marking a historic milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the nation. At the time of the announcement, the country had more than 28,000 members in approximately 80 congregations, and Church membership has continued to grow, with six stakes and nine districts now established across the country.
For decades, faithful members in Papua New Guinea have traveled overseas—primarily to the Suva Fiji Temple—to participate in temple ordinances. The new temple will dramatically reduce travel time, cost, and difficulty for thousands of Latter-day Saints throughout the country.
Current Status
The Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple is under construction, with major construction nearing completion. The temple is being built on Muniogo Crescent in the Badili neighborhood of Port Moresby on a 3.76-acre (1.5-hectare) site overlooking Walter Bay. An existing meetinghouse was removed to make way for the temple complex.
Plans include a single-level temple of approximately 9,550 square feet (887 square meters) featuring a single attached end spire. The temple complex will also include a distribution center, lodging for temple patrons and missionaries, and a residence for the temple president and matron. The official exterior rendering was released on September 15, 2020, and groundbreaking services were held on April 22, 2023, with Elder Peter F. Meurs presiding.
What to Watch for Next
Construction is in its final stages, with landscaping, interior finishes, and site improvements continuing. The Church has already called the temple president and matron, another indication that the project is nearing completion. The next major milestone will be the announcement of public open house and dedication dates, which have not yet been announced.
Nearest Operating Temple
Until the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple is dedicated, members in Papua New Guinea continue traveling to the Suva Fiji Temple for temple worship. Once the Port Moresby Temple opens, it will become the country's first temple and greatly simplify temple attendance for members throughout Papua New Guinea. A final temple district will be announced closer to the dedication.
Final Thoughts
The Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple represents a historic chapter in the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Pacific. As the nation's first temple, it fulfills the hopes of generations of faithful members who have sacrificed significant time and resources to worship in the temple. With construction now nearing completion, the temple stands as a powerful symbol of faith and the continued expansion of the Church throughout Papua New Guinea.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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