On June 9, a beautiful summer day, over fifty returned missionaries from the tropical island of Oahu, gathered together at the home of Randy and Elsemarie Ayre to renew the warm feelings which they had developed while serving at the PCC, Hawaii Temple, the Visitors Center or the BYUH at Laie.
There was another purpose which brought them together. They came to be instructed on the future of the Polynesian Cultural Center by it’s President Von Orgil. President Orgil and his lovely wife Sherry, accompanied by Alfred Grace, Logo Apelu, and Orlen Clements, had come to Salt Lake City to report to the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on the conditions presently at the PCC and on the plans for it’s future.
Everyone present had, because of their mission assignment, worked with or under the direction of Pres. Orgil and were very excited to hear from him. They were not disappointed in the least. The evening started with an opportunity to meet and greet old friends in one of the most beautiful settings to be found at a private home. With the sounds of a lovely stream, water falls, and fountain, pictures were taken, stories of past experiences relived, and love expressed in appreciation for shared, sacred associations.
There has never been a Polynesian gathering where wonderful food was not a part of the event. This night was not to be the exception. Each guest brought with them an offering which would produce a most lovely meal. True to the "poli" tradition, the variety of food was extent, the volume overwhelming and the ability to eat it all non-existent.
Cherished friends and good food, however, were only the preliminary to the purpose for our gathering. To sit at the feet of leaders who had been so instrumental in our missionary experience was the highlight of the evening. We sat, almost spell bound, and listened to Von as he described the extremely spiritual opportunity to report their stewardship to the First Presidency. The main topic which he presented was the future of the PCC. Would it remain the same, be discontinued or would it be enlarged to a greater purpose in the future? Each process was explained, each step in the future for the PCC was outlined and then decisions were to be made by the Prophet.
President Monson related his experience with President McKay. Pres. Monson had been the last Apostle set apart by Pres. McKay. He was well aware of the direction given for the creation of the PCC and it’s heaven directed future. After a short description of why there would be a PCC, Pres. Monson then, in a very dramatic and spirit driven manner, instructed the gathered leaders of the church, as to what was going to happen in Laie. He expressed his feelings that what the Lord desired was an increased influence and presence at the PCC. There would be expansion because an expanded church presence would mean an expanded spiritual opportunity for so many more of the people of the world. They would come into contact with the spirit because of their experience at the PCC. Then in an action, prompted by the Spirit, he pointed to each of the gathered brethren and asked, "how do you feel about this?" Each response was in agreement with what had been proposed.
In a very dramatic way, the Lord has indicated that the future of the PCC was to expand it’s presence and influence. In coming months we will learn how that may effect each of us as we look forward to our possible participation in the 50 years celebration in 2013. What a wonderful evening.
We collectively express our appreciation to the Ayre’s for the opportunity to gather at their lovely home. We were blessed with the presence of the leadership at the PCC. Our regard for Pres. Orgil was expressed to him by each of us as the night came to a close.
There will be more chance for gathering in the future. There will be more information regarding a trip to Hawaii. There will be more memories to make and old ones to review. We may have left Polynesia, but it has not left us. How thankful we are.
Earle
