The very first ever ‘Islands Open House’ for the Yigo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints happened on May 6th and 7th in the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia which includes the islands of Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands, hosted their event on May 13th.
Each island hosted their own event for doors opening of the Yigo Guam Temple to the public. Members and friends met at Church meetinghouses in Koror Topside, Palau; Colonia, Yap; Mwan, Chuuk; Panasang, Pohnpei; Lelu, Kosrae; and Chalan Kiya, Saipan
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
With direction from the Asia N. Area Presidency, William H.K. Davis took on the project of helping members in other pacific islands experience the temple. Poster boards with images of the interior of the different rooms of the temple were prepared. A page of talking points was also created for each island as part of their tour. Story boards were prepared by Barrigada Bishop Rod Boss for each island consisting of materials used in the construction of the temple, glued, and grouted onto a board to view, touch and experience. A video was first viewed before walking past posters of each temple room as the tour host explained the use of each of the rooms.
Delays in shipping the photo-poster boards and story boards made for some unique problem-solving. Saipan was able to delay one week, while other islands improvised with a video tour of the interior of the temple.
“With the Keyboard quietly playing Hymns in the background, the Spirit was present, many had special experiences. Especially in the Celestial Room. We were able to allow the participants time to sit quietly to reflect and ponder all that they had taken in. With the door closed they prayed, meditated, and we even witnessed a few shed tears. The Spirit of Elijah was strong, tying our hearts to our ancestors and to our posterity. Thank you for this wonderful experience. All the Hosts now wish to be Temple Workers!” ~ Palau Branch Pres. E.J. Ozu.
For people who traveled long distances to the event, a light meal was arranged a distance from the open house rooms so not to interfere or take away from the special occasion and spirit of the open house.
Through photos, we see the interest of the members and friends as they attended this event. A reverent and quiet temple atmosphere was encouraged for the best temple experience possible. The miraculous event of an island temple brings sacred ordinances and blessings to these pacific isles of the sea.
“… Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring for my word unto the children of men, Yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? (2 Ne 29:7)