HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND — The Kia Ngawari Trust in Hamilton, which collects, records and stores New Zealand LDS Church history, received an interesting e-mail last spring from an Anglican minister in England. The Rev. Lionel Atherton, parish priest, Vicar of St. Peters Church in Chorley, Lancashire, England, requested to stay with LDS families while in New Zealand for a three-month sabbatical.
The Rev. Atherton's parish includes the area of the Preston England Temple. During his leave, Rev. Atherton wanted to research the LDS Church so he could develop a better understanding with his new neighbors. Hosted by Tony McKenna, chairman of the Kia Ngawari Trust, Rev. Atherton gave a presentation at a local visitors center to an overflow audience during his visit.