Sunday Morning Coming Down

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  Avarua, Cook Islands
Monday, March 3, 2008

On the hottest day that we will encounter on the Cook Islands we decide to go to Church.  We have read that this is a unique and beautiful thing here on the islands.  I find my most conservative outfit (and I am way too hot in it) and off we go with a couple of others from the resort who also want to experience the local culture.  We are attending the Arorangi CICC Church in Titikaveka, the oldest Christian church here.  It was built in 1841 from coral slabs hewn by hand from the nearby reefs.  We are greeted at the door by male members of the congregation.  They are dressed in white suits and look much cooler then I.  They offer to show us to our seats.  1841 equals no air conditioning.  There are ceiling fans, and fans mounted on pillars beside some of the pews.  There is an upstairs balcony with seating, but I decline the offer to sit up there, it has to be way too hot up there.  We are then seated in the center pews along side other visitors to the congregation.  The church interior is white with blue accents, simple stained glass windows, and interesting motifs on the ceiling

Christian Church Arorangi

.  At the front of the church is a short mosaic wall behind which are two pulpits, a lower one and a higher one that is accessed by a set of stairs.  There are two large doors at the front and two large doors at the rear of the church.  They are wide open in a futile attempt to keep the church cool.  The ladies of the congregation arrive.  Most are dressed in white loose fitting blouses and white skirts, most of them long and pleated.  Almost all are wearing exquisite hand woven hats, many with flower embellishments.  Most male officials of the church are in white suits, with many other men wearing loose fitting island shirts.  The Pastor starts the service by welcoming everyone in both English and Maori.  Most of the service is given in both languages. During parts of the service there is a speaker at the lower pulpit as well as the higher pulpit.  As visitors we are welcomed to the church, and we do feel welcome.  Today will be a special day as we will be witnessing the baptism of two children.  A young girl dressed in a pretty pink dress and wearing a tiara of flowers on her head is carried forward by her father.   She appears to be about 8 months old.  She receives her blessing and the splash of baptism water from the pastor and is taken back to her mother.  Next is a newborn infant (still wearing his mittens).  The very proud father brings him forward, he too is well behaved and is soon back in his mother's arms.  The choir sings a hymn and it is a joyous blending of island rhythms and splendid voices.  During the course of the service the choir and the general congregation sing many wonderful hymns in a lilting Polynesian style.  A highlight of the singing is a duet sung between and man and women.  He sings in English, she responds in Maori.  Today new officers of the church are being called forward and recognized; it becomes a very long service.  I notice that many men have brought their own hand towel to mop their faces, many ladies have their own hand woven fans

Church

.  I am looking at them with envy.  It is very, very hot and I am sticking to the pew.  In fact when I stand to leave part of the paint off the pew comes with me (now that is hot).  After the service the visitors are invited next door to the Sunday School to join in fellowship and partake in light refreshments.  Pineapple juice and pastry in hand I am feeling much better.

Sundays are a quiet day on the islands, no businesses are open except at the bigger resorts and restaurants.  Once back at the resort it is pool time.  Sunday night is BBQ night at our resort, a chance to mix and mingle with other guests.  This turns out to be lots of fun and we enjoy the evening and meet three other Canadian couples (also trying to escape winter).  

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