Auckland Latter-day Saints Look Forward to Opening of New Temple

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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland and throughout New Zealand are looking forward to the opening of the country’s second Latter-day Saint temple.

Members and friends of the Church in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe gathered recently to celebrate the upcoming public open house and dedication of the temple.

At a community event last week, titled, “The Temple, Your Eternal Journey,” guests discussed how faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is strengthened through temple worship. 

The temple is considered to be the house of the Lord for faithful members of the Church.  

Inside the temple, members learn about and strengthen their relationship with their Heavenly Father and their Saviour Jesus Christ. They also make covenants that bind them to God and to each other as families for eternity.

In anticipation of the coming temple dedication, the Church members gathered to learn how they can spiritually prepare to attend the temple and participate in sacred ordinances (or ceremonies) in order to make and keep these covenants. 

Worship in the temple encourages members to honour the two great commandments, as taught by Jesus Christ, to love God and neighbour.  

Theresa Tagavaitau said, “We want to help members turn their minds to the temple so that they can start to prepare themselves spiritually for being in the temple and worshipping.”

Keti Sikalu said, “On the 28^th of September, (in the Hamilton Temple) it was a very special day for me and my family.  We were sealed together as a family in the temple for time and all eternity.   It was the happiest day of my life. While in the temple I remembered a song we sang when I was young.  It goes, ‘Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father’s plan.  I always want to be with my own family and the Lord has shown me how I can.”

During the open house, the Auckland Temple will provide the community with an opportunity to come and see what the temple is about and why Latter-day Saints call it the house of the Lord.