The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host Mayor Julie Hardaker and other government, community and faith leaders this week at a special devotional meeting to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Hamilton.
The one-hour nondenominational devotional will be held at 5 Higgins Road, Hamilton on Sunday, 17 August, beginning at 6:30pm. It is part of the regular “Journey Together” fireside series, celebrating the history, culture, and music of New Zealand.
During the devotional, Mayor Hardaker and prominent religious leaders of the Hamilton area will recognize the pivotal roles played by religious communities in establishing the values and standards that have shaped Hamilton, both today and in the past.
| 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 |
Mayor Hardaker recently told City News: “This [anniversary] year it’s an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the people who established Hamilton and those who have shaped the city. I hope everyone takes the time this year to learn more about our past and the people who have shaped how we live in Hamilton today.”
Ronald K. Hawkins, Director of the Hamilton Latter-day Saint Visitors’ Centre at Temple View, feels the milestone is “a remarkable achievement.”
“We join with Mayor Hardaker and our city officials in celebrating the history of Hamilton from its early beginnings 150 years ago to its thriving presence today through the stories of those who gave such admirable service, as well as the essential roles of the religious values they taught.”
Latter-day Saint spokesperson, Vicki Lee Wihongi, agrees. “We are so grateful for the humble, kind, dedicated people of this area, of all ethnicities, cultures and faiths – who have made Hamilton the delightful place it is today.”
All interested people are invited to attend the devotional.
For additioanal information, go to Hamilton 150.