Mendi 1953 Bit by bit, the mission team in Mendi were getting to know the people, the language and the customs of the place. The nurse Joyce Walker, the teacher Elsie Wilson and the agriculturalist David Johnston each wrote of their impressions. They knew that the work would be slow and that they needed toContinue reading “13. Laying foundations in Mendi: 1953”
Category Archives: PNG Highlands History
Highlands Ministers
This collection of photos shows many of the ministers and their families who served from 1950 to 2010.in the PNG Southern Highlands as part of the Methodist and United Church of PNG. Click on the arrows to move forward or back through the slides.
Highlands region separates in two
In August 2006 the United Church in the Highlands region separated into two regions: Hela and the Highlands. This photo collection is from that time. Click on the arrows to move forward or back through the slides.
Wasun Koka
Rev Wasun Koka was the first Christian convert in the Methodist Mission in the Mendi region. He was baptised in May 1961. He became a leader among his people. In 1965-66 he studied at Methodist Bible college in Brisbane and in 1968-70 he studied at Rarongo Theological College. Wasun was ordained as a minister andContinue reading “Wasun Koka”
Synod and other meetings
Every year representatives from the churches in the Highlands would gather to find out what was happening and to make important decisions together. The annual meeting was called the ‘Synod’. This photo collection from 1959 to 2006 shows Synod meetings and other important meetings of church leaders. Click on the arrows to move forward orContinue reading “Synod and other meetings”
Highlands Womens Fellowship
In Mendi and Tari, some of the first people to become Christians were women. Very few of them had opportunity to attend school and most of them were hardworking wives and mothers. Christian women began to learn practical skills like sewing and childcare. Many of them joined local and combined groups for Bible study, toContinue reading “Highlands Womens Fellowship”
Government changes in PNG
Before Independence in 1975, the Australian government had a role in PNG. They formed councils, and held elections. They arranged for roads and bridges to be built, a new police force and other work. From the time of Independence, the government was run by local people. This photo collection shows some of the work andContinue reading “Government changes in PNG”
Highlands Church Anniversaries
1960 to 1990 The Church in the Southern Highlands marked the years since the beginning in 1950. This photo collection shows the anniversary celebrations in 1960 (10 years); 1970 (20 years); 1980 (30 years) and 1990 (40 years). Some of the pioneers came back to join these celebrations. Click on the arrows to go forwardContinue reading “Highlands Church Anniversaries”
Pastors from coastal regions in the Highlands
Pastors from other regions of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands were in the first survey team in 1950. Men and their families have left their home regions in New Guinea Islands, Papuan Islands, Bougainville and Solomon Islands. They contributed to the church in the Highlands with love and sacrifice from the beginning. ThisContinue reading “Pastors from coastal regions in the Highlands”
Highlands Baptisms
The first baptism service in Mendi was in May 1961. After that there were many baptisms as more and more people became Christians. This photo collections shows groups of people who were baptised from the 1960s onwards. Click on the arrows to move forward and back to see the slides.
Margaret Reeson 