The Hamilton LDS Temple, dedicated in 1958, was the first temple in the Southern Hemisphere. I recently attended a session in this temple and was moved by the tremendous spirit of reverence and love. I suppose that temples, like people, exude their own auras and this special place is deeply affected by the historical faith and service of Maori Mormons and the continuing devotion of intercultural Mormons today.
The first Mormon missionaries came to New Zealand in the mid-1800’s from Australia. The work was slow-going among the Pakeha (of European descent). However, once the missionaries shifted their focus in the late 1870’s to the Maori, the work blossomed. At least 5 Maori prophets had prepared their people for a true religion to come and taught them ways that they could recognize the this church of Christ. Mormonism merged with and enhanced Maori beliefs (rather than replaced them). Missionaries taught the Maori in their own language and lived among them with love and respect. For example, the famous Matthew Cowley—as a young Idahoan missionary struggling to learn Maori—prayed and fasted and then received the gift of tongues. He later translated the Book of Mormon into Maori and was known as a great friend to the Maori people. Mormonism blossomed among the Maoris and they immediately assumed priesthood leadership positions. As explained in a 1981 New Era article called “Maori Traditions and the Mormon Church, “the Mormon church became their own church. They led it, taught the members, blessed their own sick, and guided their own families through personal revelation.” They also built a temple in their own land.
The Hamilton temple was built, in large part, by 500 labor missionaries who donated their time and talents. Eighty-five percent of the undertaking was Maori. In addition, members made great sacrifices throughout the country. Each district had to raise about $50,000 every year to support the labor missionaries. In conjunction with the temple, they built Church College, a residential secondary school primarily devoted to teaching useful trades. This closed in 2009 as the Church chose to devote funds to other pressing needs in the world. We know many strong members who come from the Hamilton area and who were educated at Church College.
Our ward in Dunedin devotes 2 weeks every year to traveling to the temple. We have been listening to talks in Sacrament Meeting for a month, preparing us for this time at the temple. At home we have Scout camp, girls camp, youth conferences, Priest-Laurel activities, etc. Here in New Zealand all the various activities are combined into one: the annual Youth Stake Temple Trip. Leaders and members plan all year for this event as it is expensive and time-consuming to travel from the South Island to the North Island. The enthusiasm is contagious. I am so grateful that Coulter and Martha have had the opportunity to be with great friends and leaders at the temple this week. I am grateful for the spiritual healing and power, through Jesus Christ, that I have found at the Hamilton Temple this week.