Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple

The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple is the 23rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nuku'alofa, the capital city of the Kingdom of Tonga, lies on the northern shores of the island of Tongatapu. The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple occupies a beautiful tract of land several miles south of the city proper at the site of Church-owned Liahona High School. Majestic palm trees dot the grounds, which are full of healthy tropical vegetation.

Temple History

The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple was the fourth temple built in Polynesia, following the Laie Hawaii Temple (1919), the Hamilton New Zealand Temple (1958), and the Apia Samoa Temple (1983), and the first built in Tonga.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple was held just one day before the groundbreaking ceremony for the Apia Samoa Temple, marking the first time that groundbreaking ceremonies were held on back-to-back days. The two buildings were built at the same time and were nearly identical in appearance until the Apia Samoa Temple was rebuilt in the mid-2000s.

Tongan Church members showed great reverence for the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple during its construction including working for months on the project without compensation and collecting on the grass at night to admire the angel Moroni statue shining in the temple lights.

The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple was dedicated four days after the Apia Samoa Temple, marking the first time that two dedications were held in the same month.

During his visit to Tonga for the dedication of the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley enjoyed an audience with His Majesty Taufa'Ahau Tupou IV—king of "the friendly islands" and long-time friend of President Hinckley.

The first dedicatory session of the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple was held in the temple, but the remaining sessions were held in the nearby gynmasium of Church-owned Liahona High School. To afford passage to attend the dedication, many members sold their farm produce, animals, or other belongings. Services were crowded with over 3,000 attending the final service, creating an overflow into other rooms of the building.

After an extensive addition and remodeling project that added over 5,000 square feet, the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple was rededicated on November 4, 2007, coinciding with Constitution Day—the day the Tonga Constitution was enacted 132 years ago.

Temple District

The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple serves members from 21 stakes and 2 districts headquartered in Tonga:

Presidents

’Aisake K. Tukuafu 2019–
Taniela A. Langi 2016–2019
Samisoni Uasila'a 2013–2016
Pita F. Hopoate 2010–2013
Eric B. Shumway 2007–2010
M. Veuki Kaumatule 2001–2007
Sione M. Fineanganofo 1998–2001
'Uiha Tu'ikolouatu 1995–1998
Tevita Ka'ili 1992–1995
Patrick D. Dalton Jr. 1990–1992
Semisi N. Tonga 1987–1990
Tonga T. Paletu'a 1983–1987

References