Ua Tae Mai

Elder O. Rudeen Allred
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Tahitian Mission, 1938 to 1940

Tahiti, "South Seas"
On May 24, 1938 our ship, the "M. V. Tolten " docked at Papeete Harbour, having left Los Angeles Harbour May 10. My companions on the trip were Elders McEntire and Benson. Upon arriving in Papeete we met Elders Palmer, Winkle, Mack, Johnson, and Greene. I stayed at Head Quarters until June 25^th, enjoying the many beauties and differences of this part of the world.

Takaroa, Tuamotu
My first assignment was Takaroa, to leave, alone, on the 25^th of June on board "Tereora ". Needless to say, I was seasick and didn't enjoy the trip at all. Arrived in Takaroa on the 29^th. Surely a beautifully situated Island, with a pass opening beside the city into the lagoon. Here I began my schooling of "native living". My time was spent in study of the language and meetings. Departed on September 12.

Niau, Tuamotu
I left Takaroa alone on board "Ramona ". Stopped at Takapoto, one night in Manihi; stopped at Apataki for one night and Sept. 14^th we were at Niau. Here I was put on shore and told to stay awhile. The ship was returning back over the route she had just came from. I was here until the 21^st of Sept., then Ramona came back and we all left for Tahiti. In Niau I was among a few members who treated me swell. I could just get by with my "poor" Tahitian.

Hikueru, Tuamotu
I arrived back in Tahiti on the 23^rd of Sept. and was there 12 days and then left for Hikueru; once more traveling alone. Was on the water 6 days (wasn't seasick) and arrived in Hikueru on the 11^th of Oct. Met Elder Percy B. Asay (Pereti), my Senior Companion. Hikueru is known throughout the South Seas as the pearl shell Island. I was fortunate to arrive here while the season was on for taking shells. Life here was much different due to shortage of food and poor contact outside.

Tahaa and Raiatea, "Leewards"
Having journeyed back to Tahiti for Elder's Conference and Xmas, my next assignment was with Elder Uel C. Hunting (Uela) to "open" the Leeward Islands. We might say "Pioneers" as far as recent Missionaries to the Leewards are concerned. The first Elders in 20 years.

We landed in Raiatea but started our work in Tahaa. We found Protestantism established very firmly but did what we could in bearing our testimonies as to the true Church of Christ. Our work took us around Tahaa, walking all the way, six times, and completely around Raiatea once, one trip over the mountain, and working the districts from our H.Q. in Uturoa. It was in Tahaa I witnessed the Power of God in the laying on of hands by those in authority. One was almost instantly healed and the other was the healing of the dread disease "elephantiasis".

We hope sincerely that through our efforts the future Missionaries may find the way a little easier for them.

It was here that Elder Dean Haslem (Teina) joined us, my future Junior Companion.

Huahine, "Leewards"
On April 8^th 1939 we left the beautiful Islands in Raiatea lagoon and journeyed to Huahine, a matter of 3 hours ride on "Potii Raiatea ". Elder Hunting went on to Tahiti leaving me as Senior and Elder Haslem as Junior. In Huahine we followed almost the same pattern of tracting as on the last two. With two H.Q. we were able to work both sides nicely. In "Fare" we stayed with a Mr Tetua Mervin and in Maroe we were with our native Missionary, Tahiri &acir; Torihi. We were blessed considerably while here.

Anaa, Tuamotu
Back to Tahiti again on the 26^th of May to meet Pres Rufus K. Hardy, etc. Stayed at H.Q. 17 days, drew the assignment of a "bright green" Elder and Anaa. Elder Price and I landed in Anaa on the 15^th of June, among a Priest and his "flock". While here we visited all the five cities. The priest made things "hot" for us but we surely enjoyed our work. Baptized a boy eleven years of age as our first and only convert. His father is a "Mormon" but his mother is a "Reorganite". On August 28^th we sailed from Anaa aboard "Moana " to Marokau, not through, however, in Anaa... I hope.

Marokau, Tuamotu
August 30^th, 1939 we landed in Marokau, prepared to stay until after Conference. Here we met Elders McEntire and Braegger. Between our arrival and Conference I had the privilege of baptizing two Catholic women. Our Conference was quite a success but with only Marokau and Tauere represented. Elder Braegger and I left Marokau for Hikueru on October 22, 1939.

Hikueru, Tuamotu
Back in Hikueru again after almost a year away. I surely was happy to meet again my old friends of a year ago. We surely enjoyed our stay this time. The people treated us swell; not once did they tire of us that we know of. Once again I was privileged to return a soul to the Church through baptism. This time it was Hamau â Taremata, a girl 30 years old. We stayed here, getting the Branch in order until November 26, and then left for Papeete.