Praia Cape Verde Temple
The Praia Cape Verde Temple is the 173rd dedicated temple in operation. It was among the twelve new temples announced by President Russell M. Nelson on October 7, 2018, during his closing remarks in general conference.
Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde as it is officially called, is an archipelago and island country in the central Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles off the coast of West Africa. It consists of ten volcanic islands. Although the official language of the country is Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole is spoken by most of the population. The temple is located on the island of Santiago, the largest island in the country. The Praia Cape Verde Temple was the first temple built in the Macaronesia islands and in the country of Cape Verde. More than 15,000 Latter-day Saints in some 40 congregations reside in Cabo Verde, which despite its proximity to the African continent is part of the Europe North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[1]
The single-story building of nearly 8,880 square feet (813.7 square meters) features a spire reaching 80 feet (24.4 meters) that has been described as reflective of the architectural styles in the area. The exterior finish features moleanos limestone from Portugal. The temple has one instruction room, one sealing room, and one baptistry.
A meetinghouse shares the 4.46-acre temple site, surrounded by formal grounds beautified with tropical plants and flowers. A lovely circular planter sits at the entrance doors, and gathering plazas flank either side of the building.
Elder Paul V. Johnson presided over the groundbreaking and site dedication on May 4, 2019. An open house was held from May 21 through June 11, 2022. Elder Neil L. Andersen dedicated the Praia Cape Verde Temple in three sessions on June 19, 2022.
Over 10,000 guests toured the interior of the temple during the open house. Dignitaries included the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, the Prime-Minister of Cabo Verde, the Mayor of the city of Praia, the President of the National Assembly of Cabo Verde, and a former President of the Republic of Cabo Verde.[2]
In 1994, then Elder Dallin H. Oaks dedicated the nation not far from where the temple would be built, and Church membership has grown significantly since then. The first stake in Cape Verde was organized in Praia on April 29, 2012, by Elder Erich W. Kopischke, president of the Europe Area. At the time of the Praia Cape Verde Temple dedication, Cape Verde had four stakes, one district, and more than 40 congregations. The Cape Verde Praia Mission was created in 2002.
