Many motorists have seen it towering over State Highway 1 in Auckland’s Manukau – but few so far have seen its interior.
The massive new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set to open soon, and, for a short period of time, it has invited members of the public to take a look inside.
It is the second temple of its kind in New Zealand. The first was built in Hamilton in 1958, and resource consent for a proposed 37-metre tall temple in Porirua has been granted.
Elder Peter Meurs told Breakfast it will be a “unique opportunity” to view the inside of the temple.
“We hope many will come. This temple has been built carefully and to the highest possible standards. It is simply beautiful, but we promise when you come, the spirit you will feel in the temple is really special.”
Meurs said when people attend a tour of the temple, they will see where sacred ceremonies are performed, places where families connect, beautiful artwork, and many things related to New Zealand.
Elder Peter Meurs told Breakfast it will be a “unique opportunity” for members of the public to view the inside of the temple. (Source: Breakfast)
While the Church has about 30,000 regular church buildings around the world, Meurs said this is only the 203rd temple of its kind, which is reserved for special occasions.
“This is a very special place. We don’t come here on Sunday, we worship in our normal buildings on Sunday and we have activities during the week. This temple is reserved to come closer to God and as a place to feel his presence.”
The Church is inviting everyone to come and learn about the temple. It is open to the public between February 27 and March 22. Once the temple is dedicated, it will only be open to members of the Church.
Those who wish to attend are able to make a booking through the Church’s website.
