Tragedy and Return

Tragedy and Return

Tragedy occurred during a remodel of the Apia Samoa Temple. The temple was nearing completion of an overhaul that would add rooms to the temple and update the mechanical systems when a fire broke out. Workers had already gone home for the evening on 9 July 2003 and no one was injured.^[1]Trost, Taralyn. “Fire Destroys Samoa Temple.” Ensign, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sept. 2003, This was the first time in church history that an operational temple was completely destroyed by fire.  Members were given hope through the night by the fact the Angel Moroni was still visible despite the intense heat of the fire. In the morning, the temple was completely destroyed, yet the Angel Moroni statue was not harmed. After the temple was rebuilt, the original and refurbished Angel Moroni statue was placed on the rededicated temple.^[2] “Statue of Angel Moroni Placed on Temple.” Church News, Deseret News, 4 Feb. 2005,