Gloriavale leader Howard Temple to face trial for alleged sexual offending over 23 years
Gloriavale’s overseeing shepherd is expected to spend the next fortnight at his trial hearing allegations of sexual abuse made against him.
Howard Temple, in his mid-80s, faces multiple counts of committing an indecent act on a young person and of indecent assault. There are several female complainants who range in age from 9 to 20 at the time of the alleged offending.
Temple has pleaded not guilty and previously elected a judge-alone trial. The evidence against him will be heard in the Greymouth District Court over the next week, with the possibility of second and third weeks if required. He has so far been remanded on bail.
Court documents previously seen by The Press show the charges date from between 1998 and 2022. Many of them are representative, meaning multiple offences of the same type are alleged to have been committed more than once.
Temple, formerly known as Howard Smitherman, is an American mechanical engineer who served in the US Navy. He visited New Zealand during his service, prompting a move here and marriage to a New Zealander.
He and his wife joined the Gloriavale church when it was based in Rangiora, where she became the head of its school system. His main role until his promotion was principal of Gloriavale’s “Community Garden of Children” – one of three early childhood centres within the community.
Among the Crown witnesses expected to be called include complainants and police officers. Temple will have the opportunity to take the stand and give evidence at the end of the Crown case if he wishes. He does not have to do so. He may also call defence witnesses.
Temple has never commented publicly on the allegations.
The Press will have coverage of the trial and has applied to be able to film and take photographs in court.