More than 400 guests gathered to the London England Temple in Newchapel, Surrey to watch as its grounds were transformed into a wonderland of Christmas lights. Tandridge District councillor, Ken Harwood, and his wife Joan, from the Felbridge Parish Council, flipped the switch for this year’s Christmas light display, addressing the crowd with a Christmas message.
"During this Christmas season we must care for those who are ill, aged or in need,” he said. “We should nurture those who cannot do things for themselves. Members of the Mormon faith do much to serve others both inside and outside this majestic temple. All of us in this community should look around and find someone in need we can serve at this time of year."
Guests young and old, both members, friends and local residents, gathered to listen to carols, prayers and speeches presented at the festive event, with refreshments offered in the temple’s visitors’ centre.
Also playing a part in the ceremony were members of the new temple presidency, Kenneth Johnson from Norwich, David Irwin from Plymouth and John Crossland from Selsdon. President Roger Millar of the London England South Mission was also in attendance. President Johnson said while the Christmas lights are brilliant and wonderful, “they are only symbolic of the true light of the world, who is Jesus Christ, the Saviour of us all. He is the Lord we worship, the focus of our faith, and the Son of God whose teachings we try to follow.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Britannia Ward Choir from Hyde Park, London provided the music, with a large portion of attendees remaining after the programme concluded to join in singing traditional Christmas carols into the night.