A powerful drama performance reenacting the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes in Hula 150 years ago has reminded Papua New Guineans that one of the country's most significant Christian milestones was made possible not only by a missionary's journey, but by the hospitality of the people of Hula.
The performance was one of the highlights of the opening ceremony for the United Church's 150th Anniversary celebrations held on Monday in Hula, Central Province.
Presented by local church youth, the drama transported hundreds of spectators back to 1876, recreating the events that led to the arrival of the London Missionary Society (LMS) missionary on the shores of Hula village.
The performance depicted Lawes travelling along the Papuan coast when rough weather began developing at sea. Seeking shelter before the storm intensified, he attempted to take refuge near Hirupara. However, worsening conditions forced his vessel ashore at Hula, setting in motion an encounter that would help shape the future of Christianity in Papua New Guinea.
Youth performers reenacted the historic meeting between Lawes and the ancestors of the Hula people, portraying the moment villagers welcomed the missionary and listened to the message he brought with him.
The drama highlighted how that first encounter laid the foundation for the growth of what would later become the United Church in Papua New Guinea, spreading first throughout Central Province before reaching communities across the nation.
Among those witnessing the performance was Reverend Anthony George Lawes, the fifth-generation Lawes of Dr. William George Lawes.
Like his ancestor, Reverend Lawes has dedicated his life to Christian ministry. Although the Lawes family originated from England before later settling in Australia, he said the connection between his family and Hula remains strong after 150 years.
Addressing the gathering, Reverend Lawes expressed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the historic celebration.
"On behalf of the entire Lawes family, thank you for inviting me to be part of this celebration and to be welcomed here where such an important chapter in both our family history and the history of Hula began," he said.
He reminded those gathered that the anniversary was not only about remembering his ancestor, but also about recognizing the people of Hula whose ancestors welcomed a stranger and helped make possible the spread of Christianity throughout Papua New Guinea.
"The story we celebrate today is not only the story of W.G. Lawes. It is also the story of the people of Hula. Without your ancestors' hospitality, courage, friendship and willingness to embrace the Gospel, the work that followed would never have been possible," he said.
Reverend Lawes also reflected on his ancestor's vision of empowering local people to lead the church. He highlighted efforts to translate the Bible into Motu and establish training institutions for local pastors, teachers and church leaders.
He said the flourishing churches, schools and Christian communities seen throughout Papua New Guinea today are the result of generations of Papua New Guineans carrying that vision forward.
As celebrations continue throughout the week, the drama served as a powerful reminder that the history of the United Church is not solely the story of a missionary arriving on foreign shores. It is also the story of a community that chose to welcome him.
One hundred and fifty years later, that act of hospitality continues to be remembered as a defining moment that helped shape the spiritual, educational and cultural history of Papua New Guinea.
