# The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Benin

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Benin refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in Benin. In January 2009, there were 253 members in Benin. In December 2022, there were 5,606 members in 20 congregations.

## History

In 1998, a small group of Beninese met in the home of Lincoln Dahl, a Latter-day Saint working in the American embassy in Cotonou. The first citizen of Benin to be Baptized was Claude P. Toze who was baptized on October 4, 1998. The first missionary couple assigned to live in Benin full time were Verne and Kathleen Davis, who arrived On January 23, 2001. The BYU Singers toured Benin in May 2001 and later donated their blue ties and dresses to be worn when legal recognition came. The Church obtained legal recognition in Benin on March 7, 2003. The first younger missionaries arrived the next month.
In 2005, the first branch was organized in Cotonou. By 2008, 3 branches had been organized. In 2012 a district was created in Cotonou, and on April 24, 2016, the Cotonou Stake was organized.

## Stakes and Congregations

As of November 2024, the following congregations were located in Benin:

### Cococodji Benin Stake

* Agla Ward
* Aibatin Ward
* Allada Ward
* Atrokpocodji Ward
* Cococodji Ward
* Cocotomey Ward
* Fidjrosse Ward
* Fiyegnon Ward
* Gbegame Branch
* Hevie Ward
* Hilacondji Branch
* Houinme Ward
* Pahou Ward

### Cotonou Benin Stake

* Akpakpa Ward
* Arconville Ward
* Avotrou Ward
* Calavi Ward
* Finagnon Ward
* Gbedjromede Ward
* Glo Branch
* Jericho 1st Ward
* Jericho 2nd Ward
* Menontin Ward
* Porto Novo Ward
* Sainte Rita Ward
* Zogbo Branch

### Bohicon Benin District

* Bohicon Branch
* Dassa-Zoume Branch
* Parakou Branch
* Seme Branch
* Tchaourou Branch

### Other Congregations

The following Congregations are not part of a stake or district.
* Benin Cotonou Mission Branch
The Benin Cotonou Mission Branch serves individuals and families not in proximity to a meetinghouse. All congregations not part of a stake are classified as branches, regardless of size.

## Missions

Benin was assigned to the Ivory Coast Mission in 1999. Shortly after, the Ivory Coast Mission was renamed the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission to meet the church's mission naming guidelines.
The Ghana Cape Coast Mission was organized on 1 July 2005 which Benin was a part of. On July 1, 2011, the Benin Cotonou Mission was created. As of May 2021, the mission covers the countries of Benin and Togo.

## Temples

As of May 2021, Benin is part of the Accra Ghana Temple District.
| 117. Accra Ghana Temple Official website News & images | 117. Accra Ghana Temple Official website News & images | |
| Location: Announced: Groundbreaking: Dedicated: Size: Style: | Accra, Ghana 16 February 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley 16 November 2001 by Russell M. Nelson 11 January 2004 by Gordon B. Hinckley 17,500 sq ft (1,630 m$^2$) on a 6-acre (2.4 ha) site Classic modern, single-spire design - designed by ARUP | Accra, Ghana 16 February 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley 16 November 2001 by Russell M. Nelson 11 January 2004 by Gordon B. Hinckley 17,500 sq ft (1,630 m$^2$) on a 6-acre (2.4 ha) site Classic modern, single-spire design - designed by ARUP |