Early in the morning we left the Mission Office which is in Nuku'alofa and walked to the parade site. Hundreds of people were already there, but no one knew what was going on, so we stood on the corner watching all the Tongans go by. Finally, we decided to walk to the church where the Coronation was to take place.
As we walked we stopped to say "Malo e lelei, fefe hake" to several people. Missionaries don't walk through town without saying "hello and how are you" to just about everyone.
Along the way some of us stopped in front of the Church of Tonga to admire the interesting building. Sister Thompson and Kinikini were so busy talking that they didn't know we had stopped. The church is a perfect Harry Potter building-high stone walls with arched side panels, colorful stained (painted) glass, and red steeple. In front of the church was the Church of Tonga band in their colorful orange uniforms. We crossed the street and asked if we
could go into the church.
They invited us in. So while Sister Thompson and Kinikini continued their walk, we went on a tour of the Church of Tonga. The rock exterior is rock taken from the ocean. It is bleached coral with water life imprints. The inside of the church is much like many of the Catholic Cathedrals, high ceilings, stone walls, arches on both sides to create additional sitting areas, wooden benches, stained glass in the front, and colorful vases around the pulpit. The floor was unpainted cement. As we were viewing the inside of the building, the band started to leave to get in line for the parade, so we were are invited to leave the church in panic fashion.
Since Sister Thompson and Sister Kinikini were nowhere in sight, we worked our way to the Coronation site-the Welayian Church. We stood in the street as the Coronation took place. It was a festive sight. Tapa cloth covered the street for a block. Students sat on the street on both sides of the 10' wide tapa cloth that created a pathway for the king.
After the Coronation, cannons fired, and bells began to ring, signaling everyone that the king had been crowned. It was exciting, people moved to get into position to see the King's departure. We talked to a policeman to find out where the king would leave, and then we moved into position. I positioned myself in a spot where I could see him coming and where he had to pass me. He is not my King, but it was fun to observe and participate in the event.
After he passed, we quickly walked a couple of blocks to watch the parade in which the King was part of.
I think every junior and senior high school student on the island was involved in the parade. Bands played and did Tongan dance routines. When the king passed, it was squeeze time as everyone pressed to get a look .. After several high school bands passed, an exciting band approached. It was the US Marine Band playing good, old American tunes. Chills came over my body. Their uniforms were so striking- dark blue coats and hats, white pants, and red, white, and blue trim on their hats and coats. We cheered and whistled. As they passed, we could see band members eyes shift towards us. I'm sure they wondered who was creating all the cheers. It was the American missionaries. We were so proud and thankful for what
and who they represented.
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