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. By 1960 there were 28 publishers.

The year 1960 was a memorable one for the reason that the government granted recognition to a locally organized association of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This gave the work legal standing and allowed for the association to buy property.

The only congregation in all French Polynesia at the time was in Papeete, and it was growing rapidly.

In 1971 a new congregation was formed.