Sunday 28 August 2022 was a special day for the members of Hamilton East Methodist Parish; the day marked the end of English language services in the little Wesley Church on Heaphy Terrace. The occasion was full of joy and celebration.

The remaining members of our small congregation decided that they would be happy to join their fellow worshippers at St John’s in Wellington Street and pass their morning service slot to our very vibrant Fijian congregation. 

A moving worship service, led by Rev Alipate Livani, was attended by members from all four congregations of the parish and a number of special guests including the Rev Mervyn Dine and his wife. Mervyn had been a Home Missionary Probationer attached to the Hamilton Circuit (Parish) in 1955 and rode his bicycle from Frankton to Claudelands at least once a month to lead worship at Wesley Church. Deacon Margaret Birtles of our Synod Superintendent team, and others for whom Wesley meant a great deal in the past, were present. Time was given for some to share their memories. A beautiful power-point tribute to the many who had served in past years was presented by Rev Leigh and Dianne Sundberg. 

Rev Alisa Lasi reminded us that over the almost 100 years of witness and service, the faithful congregation had shown God’s love in their neighbourhood, for God’s glory not their own.

The original Bible was passed from the members of the remaining congregation to the members of the Fijian congregation who accepted both the Bible and the challenge to be the Church at Wesley in the future.