`Sacred edifice' rededicated - Church News

A "spiritual refuge" for LDS servicemen and women stationed in Hawaii was rededicated Jan. 18 by Elder David E. Sorensen.

The Honolulu Hawaii Stake Tabernacle, originally dedicated in August 1941 just four months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, had been closed for a year for remodeling, refurbishing and landscaping.Elder Sorensen called the tabernacle a "sacred edifice of many men and women in the armed forces who have taken spiritual refuge in the building over the years."

Some 1,000 people attended the rededicatory service, during which Elder Sorensen of the Seventy and president of the North America West Area spoke briefly before giving the dedicatory prayer. The afternoon and evening before the rededication, a public open house was held, attracting several hundred visitors. Tours of the 47,000-square-foot facility were led by stake and full-time missionaries.

Elder Sorensen told the Church News: "It was an inspiration to be in that building speaking at the pulpit where the prophets have given guidance, instruction and inspirational messages since the tabernacle was constructed in 1941.

"It was a very beautiful and sacred occasion and an honor and a privilege for me to rededicate this sacred edifice. The Church's Physical Facilities Department has done a marvelous work in restoring the building to its former stature and glory."

Almost 57 years ago, Elder David O. McKay, then of the Quorum of the Twelve, in dedicating the tabernacle, blessed the edifice that it would not be damaged by any act of war.

Elder Sorensen noted that during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack: "There was extensive bombing all around the area, and there's a large light on the tabernacle. At that time it was the second tallest steeple in Honolulu, yet the building was never targeted or damaged in any way."

No enlargement was made to the building, but some interiors were remodeled and divided to accommodate expanding needs. In addition, the family history center, under the direction of Elder Adney Y. Komatsu, General Authority Emeritus, and his wife, Judy Komatsu, was enlarged and outfitted with new cabinets and wiring for additional computers and readers. It was also air conditioned, as were many other areas in the tabernacle.

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