The Polynesian Cultural Center added an 1850s-era Hawaii Mission Settlement to its array of island "villages" and exhibits for two reasons:
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One, Christianity was a powerful force that swept all the Polynesian islands, and in a relatively short time span replaced ancient religious beliefs and systems. |
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Two, the Polynesian Cultural Center shares a unique symbiotic relationship with Brigham Young University Hawaii, both of which are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes popularly called the Mormons, Latter-day Saints, or the LDS). The LDS Church opened its first mission in Polynesia in 1844. |
