Top: Tauwhare Elder Andy Millar with Kaumatua Tom Wheki. Bottom left: Norm Silcock and Te Mape Haimona. Bottom right: Brian Goodwin and Kemp Pallesen
On the 8th of July, after months of planning, the Tauwhare Gospel Chapel celebrated the 60th anniversary of its opening. It originally opened on the 26th of January 1963.
After a pōwhiri at the marae, Te Mape Haimona and Harataki Manihira led a blessing at the chapel.
Afterwards, back at the marae, a banquet was held, accompanied by waiata from the Hallelujah Gospel Band, and very capably emceed by Kevin Rapana after the opening prayer by Taingakawa Thompson.
Kevin Rapana, Chairman of the elders at Tauwhare Gospel Chapel
After dinner, a speaker from each generation shared their memories.
The first was Tom Wheki, whose father gifted the land for the chapel next to the marae.
Following him was Kemp Pallesen who, along with his brother Graham, has had a long-standing relationship with the believers at Tauwhare. Tom and Kemp then cut the anniversary cake.
Kaumatua Kemp Pallesen cutting the cake
Other speakers included Brian Goodwin, who has been an encouragement to the people since the days of Gospel Literature Outreach, and Taumoana Rapana, whose late father had been an elder for many years along with Walter Manaia.
Finally, Renata Te Aho, who is one of the current elders, gave thanks to the Lord for his goodness and shared his appreciation of the Christian heritage that had been passed on by faithful tupuna.
Left: Renata Te Aho, an elder at Tauwhare Gospel Chapel. Right: Atutahi Riki and Nick Goodwin
It was an evening of great rejoicing, many waiata and much reconnecting. The members of the chapel worked tirelessly and in unity, wanting above all for it to be an occasion that was filled with thanksgiving and glorifying God.
Left: Betty Pallesen, Mary Rapana, Taumoana Rapana, Anne Pallesen. Right: Kuia Marilyn Te Aho and Ngaromo Beazley
Thank you, Norm and Liz Silcock, for providing the photos and this lovely report.
