In 1959 a congregation was formed in Papeete, and although missionaries were banned, Don Clare entered Tahiti as the district overseer and held a circuit assembly during each visit.

Tahitians are noted for the giving of leis to visitors—floral leis on arrival, and nonperishable shell leis for a permanent remembrance on departure. This custom has led to opportunities to witness. For example, Brother Don Clare relates: “During my visits to Tahiti up to a hundred brothers and interested persons welcomed us on arrival and farewelled us on departure. On each occasion we received a hundred flower or shell leis. Seeing us boarding planes with seashell leis piled so high we could hardly see where we were going, tourists on the same flight, with only one lei, would inquire if I was the governor of the island. This led to many fine discussions.”