This year the three Nga Pu Toru islands of Atiu (19 July), Mitiaro (21 July), Mauke (23 July), and Rarotonga on 25 July, celebrated their respective ‘Te Arikianga o te Evangelia’ Arrival of the Gospel 200 year celebrations.
People from all walks of life attended the Mitiaro/Nukuroa and Mauke/Akatokamanava Bicentennial “Te Arikianga o te Evangelia – the Arrival of Christianity” celebrations over the weekend.
Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. This is his third article in the series.