The Kimbe United Church was filled to capacity on Sunday, August 14, as celebrations got underway to mark George Brown Day.
The church was packed as United Church followers congregated from three church circuits in the region.
George Brown was a Methodist missionary born in England but migrated to New Zealand in 1855. In 1874-75, he travelled in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and New Zealand, canvassing support. He then visited Fiji and Samoa for volunteer missionaries then later arrived in New Britain.
In 1878, New Britain locals allegedly murdered and ate a Fijian missionary and three teachers but this did not deter Brown from his mission.
Because of his resilience, Gospel was spread throughout the island of New Britain.
The celebrations in Kimbe marked 141 years since the missionaries stepped onto the shores of East New Britain.
The George Brown Day was filled with presentations of choirs, singing, and a March Pass that saw congregation members from Dagi, Kapore and Kimbe, brave the hot afternoon sun in a mirage of colourful uniforms and banners after the main service.
The march started at Anderson’s Supermarket and ended at the United Church.
Keynote speaker Justice Elenas Batari, the WNB Provincial Administrator Williamson Hosea and governmental representatives, attended the church service.
Incoming division executives and several missionaries of the Every Home for Christ arm of the United Church were dedicated during the service. The missionaries will be based in Pangalu and Lolobau. The division executives take on the rein of overseeing the running of the division for the next term of three years.
The West Nakanai (Malalia Circuit) also officially observed their celebrations on Sunday.
