Hula Village is preparing to mark 150 years since the arrival of Christian missionaries, a moment that shaped the faith, culture, and identity of its people.
The United Church anniversary will be held from June 23 to 28, 2026, at Hula along the Hood Peninsula, bringing together community members from across Papua New Guinea and overseas.
The milestone commemorates the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes of the London Missionary Society in 1876, when he first made contact with the Hula community. That moment is widely seen as the beginning of major social and spiritual change in the village.
Church and community leaders officially launched preparations on March 28 at the original missionary landing site, marking the start of months of planning for the historic event.
Pastor Kila’apae Walo of Morris Nixon Memorial Church described the anniversary as a defining moment.
“This is a very historical event connected to the faith of our people,” he said.
“We are calling all Hula sons and daughters, wherever they are, to come home and be part of this celebration.”
He said the arrival of Christianity in 1876 introduced not only religion, but also education and new ways of living that helped shape Hula into what it is today.
A key highlight of the celebration will be the renewal of a covenant first made in 1909, when village leaders formally committed to the Christian faith.
“We believe that covenant must be re-established so future generations continue to walk in its blessings,” Pastor Walo said.
Support for the event is also being coordinated with NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank, who is of Hula heritage. He said the anniversary is not only about remembering the past but also protecting the future.
“This is not just a village event, it is our shared history,” he said.
A research group formed in 2024, led by University of Papua New Guinea history lecturer Keimelo Gima, has been documenting Hula’s genealogy, church history, and cultural stories. The project combines oral history with old records, including newspaper archives from the 1800s.
“History helps us understand who we are and where we are going,” Mr. Gima said.
As part of preparations, a fundraising dinner will be held on May 2 at Sir John Guise Stadium aiming to raise about K350,000 to support the five-day event.
Mr. Frank says the anniversary is a call for unity, inviting people from all provinces who have ties to Hula to return and reconnect with their roots.
With 150 years marking a rare milestone, organizers believe the celebration carries deep meaning beyond the present generation.
“We may not see 200 years,” Mr. Frank said, “but what we do now will shape the stories our children tell in the future.”
The week-long program will include church services, cultural activities, and historical presentations, reflecting both the spiritual journey and the cultural strength of the Hula people.
