Remodeled LDS Tonga Temple opens for public view [1]
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 10:05. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 14:33.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the dates to the open house and dedication of the newly remodeled Nuku'alofa-Tong Temple. The details provided by the Church's First Presidency in Salt Lake City, are as follows:
- Public Open House: Saturday, September 29, 2007 to Saturday, October 20, 2007, excluding Sundays.
-Dedication: Sunday, November 4, 2007.
The three week open will be an opportunity for members of the general public to view inside a building where Latter-day Saints perform the highest ceremonies of their faith. These ceremonies involve uniting families beyond the grave. The open house is expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors.
The refurbished temple is one of four such building in the Pacific Islands. It serves more than 50,000 Latter-day Saints in the small Kingdom of Tonga.
After the open house, the temple will be closed and prepared for the formal dedicatory services on November 4, which will be conducted under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church. These services will accommodate all church members in the area serviced by the temple, Church members learn more about the purpose of life and strengthen their commitment to serve Jesus Christ as their fellowman.
The Nuku'alofa, Tonga Temple was originally constructed in 1981 and dedicated on August 9-11, 1983 by President Gordon B. Hinckley, then second counselor in the First Presidency and now the worldwide president of the Church. This remodeling which includes an extension of 490.8 square meters (5,283 square feet) had closed the temple since June 2006.
Further details concerning the scheduling of the open house tours for the general public will be made available shortly.