Phil Goff Visits Temple View
18 December 2010

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Hon Phil Goff, Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand's Parliament, visited the Hamilton community of Temple View this Thursday. He was a special guest of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mr Goff met with Elder Tad R. Callister, Pacific Area President, and Elder Ian Ardern, another leader of the Church in the Pacific Area. He also met other Church members including Rangi and Vic Parker, who have been gathering and chronicling local and national history, from a Mormon perspective, for decades.

Mr Goff toured the Parkers' collection of rare photographs and other historical items, which are currently housed at the former Church College campus. He said the collection was of national significance.

After inspecting the Mormon historical exhibit, Mr Goff shared some remarks with guests in the temple grounds before viewing the impressive Christmas lights display.

Member of Parliament Sue Moroney and other guests also attended the evening's program.

The Church provides the lighting, a Nativity display and choral performances to visitors from near and far each Christmas season. Year-round the Church maintains a visitors' centre in the temple grounds for interested persons to learn more about Mormon temples and other aspects of their faith.

Temple View is so named due to the Church's temple overlooking the suburb. The temple was built by volunteer 'labour missionaries' in the 1950's, along with Church College of New Zealand.

Mormons build temples due to their belief that families can be united for eternity through participation in ordinances focused on faith in Jesus Christ.

More at www.ldschurch.org.nz

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