Construction of the First Temple in Singapore Begins

Amid prayers, smiles, and much hope, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Singapore celebrated a historic moment: the groundbreaking ceremony for the first temple in Singapore, held on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

More than 500 people, including government leaders, representatives of various faiths, and community members, gathered to witness this milestone, which marks the beginning of a new spiritual journey not only for Singapore but also for thousands of Latter-day Saints in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Exterior rendering of the Singapore Temple. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Kelly R. Johnson of the Asia Area Presidency presided over the event and offered the dedicatory prayer. His words were a clear call:

“As we break ground,” he prayed, “please bless us with a greater determination to prepare now for the Second Coming of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and to make our discipleship of Jesus Christ our highest priority.”

The message of spiritual preparation resonated in every speech.

“This preparation isn’t just about getting ready for a building — it’s about preparing our hearts to draw closer to the Savior,” said Jarel Foo, a young man from the Sembawang Ward. “Just like the construction workers will be carefully laying each foundation stone, we get to carefully build our own spiritual foundation, one choice at a time.”

A Place to Feel His Love

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

For Latter-day Saints, the temple is the house of the Lord , the most sacred place on earth. There, covenants are made with God, families are sealed forever, and peace, direction, and strength are received.

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Krystine Osumo , a young single adult from Singapore, shared:

“If there’s anything that gives me confidence after going to the temple, it’s knowing that I don’t have to be perfect before I feel His presence and support in my life.”

From Longing to Reality

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Rita Woo , a pioneer of the Church in Singapore since 1970, recalled how in the early days there was neither a chapel nor a church. She and many other members had to travel to places like Hong Kong, Manila, or even the United States to worship in a church. Having a temple in their own country is something they

“have prayed for, hoped for and looked forward to for many years,” she said excitedly.

But she also added a profound reflection:

“Our regular temple attendance and living the covenants we make in the temple will give us the strength and protection we need. Let us remember to not just go through the temple but to have the covenants we make in the temple go through us.”

A Light for the Entire Community

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Johnson concluded:

“The work of the temple is a work of love. The temple here in Singapore will make a difference for the entire community. It will bring a light to the community that hasn’t been here before.”

The temple will be built on a one-hectare site located at 233 Pasir Panjang Road . It will have two floors and an area of approximately 1,672 square meters, along with a meeting house and an arrival center. This temple will serve not only the faithful in Singapore, but also the Saints in Malaysia and Indonesia, who will find it a closer place to worship the Lord.

Since its organization in 1968, the Church in Singapore has grown to more than 3,000 members. This temple will be the first in the country and a symbol of spiritual growth in this part of the world.

Source: news-sg.churchofjesuschrist.org