It is Rotorua Baptist Church's 75th anniversary in 2018. The church will mark the occasion with an anniversary dinner and fellowship on Saturday 26 May, with a celebratory service the following morning.
"We invite all former members to celebrate with us that weekend. We also plan to have several other events during the year, focusing on groups such as Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades, a 'Celebrating Missions' weekend, and a 'Ministers and Marriages Thanksgiving Service’," says Pastor Jock Brunskill.
The church building was officially opened on 28 April 1945. However, the work to plant a Baptist church in Rotorua began in 1939, with quarterly gatherings of Baptists. At that time war was breaking out in Europe, and Rotorua had a population of just 6000 people compared to the more than 70,000 of today. These gatherings were an initiative of Putaruru Baptist and the South Auckland Association, led first by Rev A V Brown, and then Ralph Page. Mr Parsons donated land in Malfroy Road. A hall was built and in 1943 a manse was purchased for the new minister, Rev Fred A Parry. Eighteen people were welcomed as foundation members on 10 May 1943. There were 15 women and just three males, as most of the men were away at war.
Find out more about Rotorua Baptist Church.
