COMING OF THE LIGHT 13 Weather no deterrent for Cairns’ Coming of the Light celebrations TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 6 JULY 2023
STORY AND PICS BY BEL LUI
Vickey Doolah, Mrs Gloria Ware & friend.
Despite unfavorable weather in Cairns for a re-enactment performance of the arrival of the London Missionary Society Missionaries who came to Darnley (Erub) Island Torres Strait 152 years ago on a religious mission, the commemoration continued indoors. A church service with hymn singing and
speeches was held at St John Anglican Church officiated by The Right Reverend Dr Keith Joseph Bishop of North Queensland, and assisted by Torres Strait Islanders Mualgal Fr Victor Joseph and Erubamle Rocky Gela. The congregation was treated with some refreshments after the service at the church’s Parish Hall and a celebration feast and more hymns singing at parish hall of St Margaret in the evening. Reverend Bishop Keith Joseph & Rocky Gela.
Bishop Keith Joseph, Rocky Gela & Victor Joseph. Amanda & John Lui, Kolon Solomon & Ruth Saveka.
The Congregation.
The Congregation.
Deliberation: Fr. Victor Joseph.
Hundreds celebrate at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Townsville STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON More than 100 Torres Strait Islanders celebrated “Coming of the Light” last Saturday at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Townsville. The celebration, which started at 10am, featured an excellent re-enactment of the arrival of missionaries on Darnley. The warrior actors were Douglas Kaigey and Ali Day and the missionary was played by Tia Takai.
He was accompanied by Aicey Day, who played his great great grandfather Jimmy Dei – one of four who convinced Erub warriors the missionaries were not a threat, after which they accepted Christianity back in 1871. After the reenactment a service was conducted by Father Elimo Tapim, Father Dalton Cowley and St Matthews Priest Stephanie Patching, followed by a feast outside.
Re-enactment of the arrival of the missionaries.
Inside the church for the service.
From left standing at St Matthews Church Priest Stephanie Kitching, Father Dalton Cowley & Father Elimo Tapim.
Aicey Day & Annie Munro.
As they were – part of the re-enactment.
Confrontation at the re-enactment.
Coming together at the re-enactment.
Audience members walking to enter church after re-enactment.
Mary Horope & Millianna Davey.
