Porirua Celebrates Legacy
Over the weekend of 25–26 October, Porirua Salvation Army celebrated its 60th anniversary. Word was sent out far and wide, inviting anyone who had been part of the corps (church) over the past 60 years to return and celebrate their part in the story. Jules Badger sat down with Captains Nicki Dutton and Grace Duxfield to hear what transpired as people came together to thank and glorify God for His faithfulness as they celebrated this significant milestone.
The weekend commenced on Saturday morning at Aotea Lagoon with a fun family event that included games, train rides and a BBQ lunch. ‘One of the things that is really important to us as a faith community is being family and playing together,’ explains corps officer, Captain Nicki Dutton.
Following a special dinner, Saturday night’s lineup was a vibrant concert hosted by Toga Tofilau, with a special guest performance from Hoseah Partsch from The Voice Australia, who has a family connection with the corps. Various groups from the corps performed special items, which showcased the diversity and beauty of Porirua Corps and community.
Sunday morning featured several special moments, beginning with the blessing of the new flag, by member Ken Te Tau, which was then raised by Captains Grace Duxfield and Steve Dutton. This was followed by the unveiling of the new Promoted to Glory Board, which was a very special moment because the first name on the board is Norm Millar who passed away the week before the anniversary. Norm and his wife, Mavis, were founding members.
‘The corps was born out of a Sunday school Norm and Mavis ran in Tītahi Bay, when they were soldiering at Tawa Corps,’ explains Nicki. ‘Norm was the number one soldier on the Porirua Corps roll, so to have his name first on the new board is bittersweet but also a rather poignant way to include him in the anniversary proceedings.’
Another special moment was the unveiling of a rescued cross, found in storage under the building. It had been taken down and forgotten when extensive building alterations took place some years ago. Following its rediscovery, the old cross has been restored, with the addition of a beautifully carved Māori design. The cross now hangs in pride of place in the auditorium between the old board and the new one.
The theme for the weekend was ‘Celebrating Legacy’, based around the Māori whakataukī (proverb) ‘Nāu i whatu te kākahu, he tāniko tāku’—‘You wove the cloak, I made the border’. Special guest Captain Sera Toloi spoke powerfully on this theme during the Sunday morning service.
‘Sera spoke about passing the baton on and weaving a korowai (cloak) together,’ explains Nicki. ‘Everyone has a part to play, so she preached about Elijah and Elisha and the passing on of the mantle. Elisha’s plea for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was a powerful reminder that only God can provide the strength and courage needed to follow and serve faithfully. Sera left us with the question of what we are passing on.’
Another feature of the weekend was the production of a booklet containing stories spanning the corps’ history, including that of Lieutenant Jennifer Beadle (née Renouf), who was the assistant officer, and the late Captain Clemetine Garguilo, who was appointed as the first officer of Porirua Corps in 1965.
‘Having these stories available for people to read was significant,’ says Nicki. ‘People not only reminisced but were able to understand something of the legacy they have received and what they are now called to pass on because of that—inspired by that!’
Captain Grace Duxfield, associate corps officer, explains the significance of the anniversary weekend for the corps.
‘It helps to reflect on what has been important for the corps over the past 60 years, so we can use that knowledge to help us shape what steps we want to take next—so we can decide where we want to go and who we want to be.’
Together with husband Captain Steve Dutton, Nicki has served as Porirua Salvation Army’s leader for eight years and adds, ‘It’s about standing strong in our legacy as a corps which has always been a hugely important part of the wider Porirua community. Holding that same heart for the community is key to who we are,’ she says.
Some previous officers, including Majors David and Judith Bennett, Captain Chris Collings, Major Afolau Toluono and Majors Heather and Tom Kopu also attended. Captain Sera Toloi and her husband Epi were special guests with Porirua Corps being an important part of their recent spiritual journey.
Many people worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the weekend a success. Nicki and Grace extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped, with particular thanks to special guests Hoseah and Sera and Epi; Soora Lee and the Archives Department for putting the photo boards together; Toga Tofilau; everyone who served in the kitchen; and Gay Buchanan from Hutt City Corps who put together the beautiful displays in the foyer and auditorium.
