“Did those early missionaries really pay just twenty dollars a year to rent land here?” Standing before the LDS Church in Nuku’alofa, it’s almost impossible to imagine the humble beginnings of this faith in Tonga. The LDS Church, a beacon of faith for many Tongans, has a captivating story woven into the fabric of these islands. It all began in 1891 when two elders, Brigham Smoot and Alva John Butler, arrived from Samoa, tasked with establishing a foothold for the church. Interestingly, Nuku’alofa wasn’t their first stop. They initially established their headquarters in Mua, a village about 20 miles away. There, they leased land for a mere twenty dollars annually and even had to ship lumber from New Zealand to build their mission home. Although the mission faced temporary closure in 1897 due to slow growth, it was resurrected in 1907. The resilience paid off, and in 1916, the Tongan Mission became independent. By 1968, the church’s impact was so profound that the first stake in Tonga was organized. Now, the LDS Church thrives in Tonga, boasting a higher percentage of Latter-day Saints than any other nation. The story of the LDS Church in Tonga is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of community, leaving a lasting impression on the cultural landscape of this island nation.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to