The Opening of the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre, featuring the exhibit, “Unto the Islands of the Sea—A Pacific Testimony,” was held June 17, 2017.
It is located in the newly renovated Wendell B. Mendenhall Library on the former campus of the Church College of New Zealand in Hamilton.
Many in attendance were descendants of early missionary, Matthew Cowley, a beloved former missionary and mission president to New Zealand, who later became an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also present were family of Wendell B. Mendenhall, another former missionary to New Zealand who, along with Mission President Sidney Ottley and building supervisor George R. Biesinger, helped Church President David O. McKay identify the site for the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Mendenhall became chairman of the world-wide Church Building Committee from 1955-65.
Equally warmly welcomed were descendants of former artist and missionary Elliott Fairbanks. The history centre exhibit includes the tools used by Fairbanks and examples of his work, when, as a non-Maori, he was part of the carving of a special Kahungunu war memorial and carved house at Nuhaka which was finally dedicated in 1949. The carved house was a Church initiative intended to preserve and teach traditional Maori crafts to a new generation.
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Pacific Area President and his wife, Peggy; Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, First Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency and his wife, Wendy; Elder Craig A. Cardon, Second Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency and his wife, Debbie; and Elder David J. Thomson, Area Seventy.
Elder Nielsen spoke of the miracles that have happened, not only in the construction of the centre but also in the growth and strength of testimony of those that have been involved in its formation. He blessed “the community and people here that they will prosper as they demonstrate their faith, freedom, love, service, and utilize these great facilities.”
Appreciation was expressed for the work of many. In particular, he made mention of the heart and vision of Vic and Rangi Parker. They have collected journals, stories, artifacts, and oral histories for more than 25 years. They continue their labours now as service missionaries.
The centre’s exhibit area displays artefacts from Church history in the Pacific encompassing 21 countries and territories and tells compelling stories of faith, missionary work, education, service and sacrifice.
Jennifer Smith, great granddaughter of Matthew Cowley, and her family, came from the United States to participate in the Centre’s dedication and opening. She said “I’ve felt it my responsibility to teach my family about their heritage and am grateful that being here has helped solidify so many pieces of knowledge that I’ve had of my missionary ancestor.”
Over 70 artefacts were shipped from Salt Lake City to be included in the new exhibit as well as several others to be preserved in perpetuity. They were joined by over 500 record collections and other artefacts already preserved in the region and now housed in the new centre.
Elder Steven E. Snow, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, Church Historian and Recorder and Executive Director of the Church History Department recently shared, “During the past decade, the Church History Department has recognized the need to collect, preserve, and share the international history of the Church in places where it originated. We are pleased to finally have the facility in Hamilton, New Zealand to do that for the Pacific Area.”
“No longer will these important records and artifacts be sent to Salt Lake City, but be stored and shared among the Saints in the Pacific.”
Former Director of the MCPCHC, Randy J. Olsen, expressed gratitude and paid tribute to those who contributed items to the exhibit such as clothing, heirlooms, photos. He also thanked those that shared their time and their testimonies with those working on the project.
Steve La Hood, director of Story Inc., creative designers of the exhibits, remarked that while his involvement in the Church History Centre project was at times exasperating, it was also uplifting. He said about the Church members he worked with, that they know about giving and receiving gifts, what their mission is, different cultures, and following their faith.
Four generations of the Vic and Rangi Parker family expressed their feelings about the new centre in a song written by Mrs. Parker and titled “Welcome to All People from the Pacific”.
Lynn Summerhays shared that he and his wife, Ann, newly named Directors of the MCPCHC, are honored to serve at this new centre that is named after the Apostle Matthew Cowley. He encouraged all to remember Matthew Cowley’s words to live by, “Kia Ngawari”, meaning to “be loving, humble and kind.”