IPNEWS: The Honorable House of Representatives is set to resume legislative activities on Monday, January 12, 2026, marking the opening of the First Quarter of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia with a historic ceremony at the Providence Baptist Church.
The opening of the 2026 Legislative Session is in line with Article 32(a) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which mandates the Legislature to convene in regular session on the second working Monday of January each year.
According to official protocols, activities will commence at 8:00 a.m. with the ceremonial hoisting of the flags of Liberia’s 15 counties, led by Acting Sergeant-at-Arms Morris Gibson and his team. This will be followed at 10:00 a.m. by a grand parade and the hoisting of the National Flag of Liberia, led by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Band. Lawmakers will salute the National Flag before proceeding to their respective chambers.
After the ceremonies at the Capitol Building grounds, members of the House of Representatives will move to the Providence Baptist Church for the official opening sitting. At the ceremony, Speaker of the House, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, will deliver his opening address, outlining the legislative priorities and agenda for the Third Session.
The Providence Baptist Church holds profound historical importance, having served as the meeting place for Liberia’s earliest lawmakers long before the Capitol Building was constructed.
Speaking on the decision to return to the historic site, Speaker Koon said the move represents a conscious effort to reconnect the Legislature with Liberia’s foundational values. He noted that the symbolic return is meant to remind lawmakers of the humility, discipline, and national purpose that guided the country’s early leadership.
According to the Speaker, the historic opening is intended to inspire members of the Legislature to recommit themselves to integrity, accountability, and people-centered governance as Liberia enters a new legislative year.
The unprecedented opening at Providence Baptist Church is widely seen as a signal of renewed focus on national reflection, transparency, and responsible leadership as the 2026 legislative calendar officially begins.
The House has clarified that the use of Providence Baptist Church is strictly for the opening ceremony and does not replace the Capitol Building as the venue for regular legislative sittings.
As the Third Session unfolds, lawmakers are expected to prioritize key national issues, including strengthened legislative oversight of the Executive Branch, economic reforms and development initiatives, review of concession agreements, and other matters of national importance.
Providence Baptist Church, is recognized as the “Cornerstone of the Republic” and became an official National Shrine in 1975.
The church is the site where Liberia’s Declaration of Independence was signed on July 26, 1847.
Founded in 1821, it is the oldest church in Liberia. The original stone sanctuary, which houses the shrine, was built in 1839.
Before the construction of the Capitol Building, Liberia’s first lawmakers convened at this church.
In January 2026, the Liberian House of Representatives held its official opening session at the church as a symbolic return to the nation’s “old mat” to inspire reflection and integrity.
Despite its status, church leadership and national figures have historically appealed for more consistent government funding for its upkeep as a landmark.
