20 October 1983 was released. Baháʼís were urged to seek out ways, compatible with the Baháʼí teachings, in which they could become involved in the social and economic development of the communities in which they lived. World–wide in 1979 there were 129 officially recognized Baháʼí socio–economic development projects. In 1983 the national assembly sponsored a conference on rural development for one hundred–ten people from Upolu, Savaii and Tutuila, at Lelata. In 1986, in addition to an observance held at the Baháʼí House of Worship, (see below), the Baháʼís sponsored a peace essay contest where Certificates of recognition were given to each of 36 finalists and monetary prizes awarded to seven winners. At the ceremony, Lt. Governor Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin and Counsellor Suhayl Ala'i spoke about peace. The Baháʼís also held a conference on Family Welfare and Management with a talk by Western Samoa's assistant secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and other talks with 200 Baha'is in attendance. By 1987 worldwide the number of officially recognized development projects had increased to 1482. Samoan Baháʼí youth began to be noticed in the development of the community – three youth were sponsored in 1985 for the International Youth Year and participated in United Nations and international projects. By the 1990s there were Samoan youth workshops (see Oscar DeGruy) performing internationally. Baháʼí House of Worship The site of the future temple was celebrated in 1976 with a gathering of over one hundred Baháʼís and children who sang songs and said prayers for four days. Twenty five years after the first Baháʼí settled in the islands of Samoa the Baháʼí House of Worship in Tiapapata, 8 km from Apia, Samoa, had its cornerstone set in 1979. It was completed in 1984 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands. After three days of talks and celebrations, the Temple was also later dedicated by King Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa who was the first reigning Baháʼí monarch. Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khanum was also present at the laying of the cornerstone and its dedication. More than 500 Baháʼís attended at the laying of the cornerstone and guests included members of the family of the king; representatives of 16 national assemblies; heads of several departments of the Samoan government and representatives of the churches of Samoa. At the dedication more than 1,000 Baháʼís from 45 countries and islands with civic