| Following
the new teachings and strict rule of 19th century European missionaries,
a new era started. Tangaroa, Rongo, Tane and all those other
gods of ancient times went up in smoke that rose to the skies
where people believed they had once come from. |
The
first religion established on Atiu in 1823 was that of the London
Missionary Society. In later years, its name changed to Cook
Islands Christian Church. Early missionaries and other visitors
to Atiu commented on the prominence of Atiu's first church building,
erected soon after embracing Christianity, that could be seen
from the sea when approaching the island.
Today the CICC is well renowned for their
strong and harmonious imene tuki, the hymns of
their forefathers. Women are still required to wear hats during
church service, their dress should cover their shoulders, and
they should also not adorn themselves with fresh flowers. Men
must not wear shorts. |
Cook
Islands Christian Church
|
Every
first Sunday of the month is a special one. Worshippers dress
all in white and they celebrate the holy communion.
You are welcome to visit!
Sunday church service starts
at 10 AM.
After the service, which is held in Cook Islands Maori language,
visitors have a chance to meet with members of the congregation
opposite the church building on the Boys Brigade Ground, where
a refreshment of fresh fruits and biscuits is offered to all.
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Catholic
Church
|
In 1894 Father
Bernard Canstanie from Tahiti brought the Catholic faith to
the Cook Islands. Soon after, it found its way into
the hearts of a number of Atiu people. In 1904 the church
as we see it today was build by the Atiu Catholic congregation.
The priest's residence was rebuilt with the congregation's
own labour and funds raised in a communal effort. Presently,
the less than 200 Catholics remaining on Atiu have worked
hard at raising funds to renew also their hall. The first
Catholic Community Hall started off as a school.
Today, Atiu has a resident Catholic
priest from the Mission of the Phillipines. Church services
and holy communion are celebrated with the active input of
all worshippers.
Sunday church service starts
at 9 AM. Every fourth Sunday,
the Boy and Girl Scouts hold their parade on the ample church
grounds.
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|
 The
Seventh Day Adventist religion was introduced to Atiu in 1926
by a teacher named Chapman. The first church was built the following
year and renovated again in 1959. At the beginning of the new
century it was felt that the old church building didn't satisfy
today's modern needs any more. With funds raised amongst
the Atiu SDA communities on the island and overseas, in a massive
communal effort a new church was erected on the old one's premises.
Pastors invited from Rarotonga officially opened and blessed
the new building on the 28th of December 2002. This house of
worship welcomes all who wish to pray along or just spend
some spiritual time with our island's SDA congregation.
Seventh Day Adventists celebrate their Sabbath on Saturdays,
church service starting at 10 AM. |
Seventh Day Adventist Church |
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| The
smallest group of worshippers confesses to the faith of
Jehovah's Witnesses. Upokomaki Teao's home in the
village of Teenui serves as their Kingdom Hall when they meet
for prayer. |
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