News Release

New Melbourne Temple Presidency

Every three years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assigns a new couple to oversee their many temples throughout the world.

This past November, Christopher Lawrence Donald and his wife Tui Lucinda Kay Westerlund Donald were called to oversee the operation of the Melbourne Temple. Assisting the Donalds are Peter and Jenny Harkness along with Shane and Sheryl Bulfin. President and Sister Donald succeed Lindsay and Helen Sanders who served voluntarily for the preceeding three year period. 

                                                                

Both President and Sister Donald have served in various callings and assignments together throughout their 38 years of marriage. President Donald has served as President of the Melbourne Braeside Stake (diocese), and a Bishop of a local congregation, while Sister Donald has served as a leader over the Young Women, children, and adult women both at a local and wider capacity. She also served alongside her husband as he served as Mission President in the Indonesia Jakarta Mission. 

When asked how service in the Church has helped them for this assignment, Sister Donald responded, “Lifelong service to others has helped me prepare for service in the House of the Lord. I have learned that serving others helps to prepare you for whatever the Lord calls you to.”

“In the temple we can ponder, pray, and learn…and that doesn’t just come the first time you go, it comes over a process of many, many visits to the temple", remarked President Donald.

                  

Of the assignment, President Donald commented that he was excited to continue to learn and love the fellow saints in Melbourne. He explained, “As a Temple Presidency, we have an important role to oversee and make sure that the temple is run the way the Lord would have it run. But really it’s the members in Victoria and Tasmania that make working in the temple a happy place to be. They’re genuine and kind, and always make you feel welcome.”

With three children and four grandchildren, both have a strong sense of the importance of the family, which bonds are strengthened because of the blessings of the temple. 

“Being able to serve together is something we’re really looking forward to in this new responsibility,” said President Donald. "It is a joy to serve along side, and learn from my wife through her service to others."

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