LDS Apostle Nelson dedicates Tonga Temple

LDS Apostle Nelson dedicates Tonga Temple [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - 11:52. Updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 16:12.

Photos by Kalisi Tu'ionuku

Elder Russell M. Nelson and his wife.

The newly-renovated Tonga Temple.

Choir in front of the Tonga Temple.

LDS Choir members from Kahoua and Vaini.

Na'a Kaumatule, Pelenaise, Mele'ana and Meliame at the Tonga Temple Cornerstone.

LDS Apostle Elder Russell Nelson dedicated the newly renovated Tonga Temple on Sunday, November 4, beginning with a special cornerstone ceremony outside the temple.

Attending the church service were thousands of members who came from Tonga's outer islands and overseas countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

The Tonga Temple is one of 124 in the world and was originally dedicated in 1983. It was closed just 15 months ago to be renovated to accommodate the needs of the growing members of the church in Tonga.

The temple is located near the Liahona High School campus on Halaloto Road and serves more than 50,000 church members in Tonga.

Before the dedication the Temple drew more than 40,000 visitors from all faiths during its open house in September.

Pesi Palaiti and the women from Vaini outside the Tonga Temple.

Senolita Mafi,Viena,Pisila and 'Ofaloto with friends.

Members of the LDS Choir.

Carole Mikita and Serah from Salt Lake City.

Maopa Finau, Senolita Mafi and Siosilini Tahi from New Zealand.

'Alisi Helu, Toa Funaki, Afu Fakatou, Mele Fangupo and ushers.

Fifita Lolohea, Meleane Ueara, Meliame Pasikala and Mele'ana Manu.

Manase Hopoate with his Mother Sulieti outside the Nuku'alofa Tonga temple.

'Ilaisaane Holani, Louna Tafuna, Fifita Lolohea, Seti Holani, Tonga Tafuna and Tevita Tu'itupou.

'Otolose, Ma'u 'Eukaliti, 'Ana and Nove.

'Ilaisaane Kongaika coming out of the temple after the first session.

Na'a and Poasi Kaumatule waiting to go in for the afternoon session.

Members of the LDS church at the entrance of the Tonga Temple.

'Ilaisaane with relative after the first session at the Tonga Temple.

Matani and Mele 'Eukaliti Ma'u from New Zealand at the Cornerstone.

Kelepi Tauelangi and his wife.

Heneli Lautaimi and his wife Ema.

Siope Tu'i'onetoa.

LDS Church members.

Photo News [2]