Neiafu Tonga Temple

Neiafu Tonga Temple
Under construction
Interactive map of Neiafu Tonga Temple
Number223
Site4.81 acres (1.95 ha)
Floor area17,000 ft2 (1,600 m2)
Height75 ft (23 m)
Official website • News & images
Additional information
Announced7 April 2019, by Russell M. Nelson[1]
Groundbreaking11 September 2021, by ‘Inoke F. Kupu
LocationNeiafu, Tonga
Geographic coordinates18°38′40″S 173°58′40″W / 18.6445°S 173.9778°W / -18.6445; -173.9778
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms2
Sealing rooms2
()

The Neiafu Tonga Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under construction in Neiafu, in the Vavaʻu island of Tonga.[2] It will be the church's second temple in the country, where more than 66,000 Latter-day Saints live,[3] following the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple, which was dedicated in 1983.[2][4] The intent to construct the temple was announced on April 7, 2019, by church president Russell M. Nelson during general conference.[2][5]

The temple is located on Tuʻi Road in Neiafu, adjacent to Saineha High School. It will be a single-story structure of approximately 17,000 square feet.[5] An exterior rendering released in August 2020 shows a white temple and a central spire.[3][6] As of 2025, construction is nearing completion, with open house and dedication dates yet to be announced.[7]

History

It was announced by church president Russell M. Nelson on April 7, 2019, that one of eight new temples was identified during general conference.[2][5] The announcement was a significant development for Latter-day Saints living in the Vavaʻu island group, who previously traveled to Tongatapu to attend the Nukuʻalofa Tonga Temple.[8] Its construction reflects continued membership growth in the South Pacific and Tonga's longstanding presence as one of the church's most established nations in the region.[2]

On August 14, 2020, the church released a rendering and site information.[6][3] Plans outlined a single-story temple of approximately 17,000 square feet, along with supporting facilities, including residences for the temple president and missionaries.[5][6] The design uses architectural elements commonly used in temples in the Pacific region, including a white exterior and landscaped grounds.[3] It will include two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, with a nearby ancillary building to house a distribution center, an arrival center, and a family history center.[5]

Ground was broken for the temple on September 11, 2021.[9][10] The ceremony was presided over by Inoke Kupu, a church area seventy, and was attended by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu, as well as other government and community leaders.[11][8] The event was broadcast live on national radio throughout Tonga.[11] Speakers emphasized the spiritual importance of the temple and its role in strengthening families and communities in the region.[11][8] The groundbreaking coincided with the 129th anniversary of the baptism of the first Tongan convert on September 11, 1892.[2] This was also just over 40 after the groundbreaking of Tonga's first temple in Nuku'alofa.[2]

As of 2025, construction had progressed significantly, with reports indicating the structure was nearing completion and generating anticipation among residents and church members in Vavaʻu.[7]

Temple leadership and admittance

The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[2] A president and matron have not yet been announced.

Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[12]

See also

Temples in the Pacific Islands ()
  • = Operating
  • = Under construction
  • = Announced
  • = Temporarily Closed

References

  1. ^ "Prophet Announces Eight New Temples at April 2019 General Conference", Newsroom, LDS Church, 7 April 2019
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Neiafu Tonga Temple". Church News. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  3. ^ a b c d Walker, Sydney (2020-08-14). "Take a look at renderings of the Neiafu Tonga Temple, Pago Pago American Samoa Temple". Church News. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  4. ^ Swenson, Madison (2021-07-27). "Church Officials Announce Groundbreakings For Two Temples In South Pacific". KSLTV.com. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Neiafu Tonga Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  6. ^ a b c "Renderings released for 2 new Pacific temples". LDS Living. 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  7. ^ a b "Influencer Siaki Lonitenisi echoes public excitement as Vava'u's new Mormon temple nears completion - Kaniva Tonga News". 2025-08-03. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  8. ^ a b c "King and Queen perform ground–breaking for LDS Temple in Neiafu". Matangi Tonga. 2021-09-12. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  9. ^ "Groundbreakings scheduled for Latter-day Saint temples in Neiafu, Tonga". nepituno.to. 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  10. ^ Proffer, Craig (July 27, 2021). "Church announces groundbreaking dates of 2 new temples". abc4.
  11. ^ a b c Taylor, Scott (2021-09-11). "Groundbreaking for Neiafu Tonga Temple includes royalty among guests, broadcast over national radio". Church News. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  12. ^ "Renderings Released for Five Temples in North America". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
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