Maya Bradley is the Baptist Youth Ministries Administrator. She attends Royal Oak Baptist Church in Auckland.
In September 1926, The New Zealand Baptist newspaper reported on “Another Foundation Stone” being laid in Royal Oak, Auckland.
The article told of 130 “enthusiastic Baptists and friends” who had gathered on a Saturday afternoon to witness the laying of three foundation stones for the new Royal Oak Baptist Hall.
The congregation had been meeting in Royal Oak since July 1924, and this was a significant moment. A hall was being built, a church was being formed, and there was already hope that, in the years to come, a church building would stand at the front of the section.
The reporter described the occasion simply:
“The day was a bright one in the history of Royal Oak.”
One hundred years later, we think another bright day in the history of Royal Oak is worth celebrating!
Over the century since those foundation stones were laid, thousands of people have become part of the story of Royal Oak Baptist Church.
People have worshipped here and served here. Children and young people have grown up here. Friendships have been formed, families have gathered, people have come to faith, and generations have sought to follow Jesus together.
Some have stayed for decades. Others have been part of Royal Oak for only a season.
And this celebration is for all of you.
If Royal Oak Baptist Church has been part of your story at any point over the last 100 years, we would love to welcome you back for a very special weekend of celebration.
Saturday: Come Back and Celebrate!
Just as people gathered together on a Saturday afternoon in 1926, we're gathering again, this time to celebrate 100 years of Royal Oak Baptist Church!
We're throwing a fun, all-age-friendly Centennial Carnival on Saturday the 3rd of October, with food stalls, games and activities, glimpses into our history, and plenty of space to sit, talk and catch up with old friends.
You'll be able to look back at where we've come from, share memories and stories, and see a little more of who Royal Oak Baptist Church is today.
More than anything, we simply want to celebrate.
To celebrate the people who have called this place home.
To celebrate the friendships and memories formed here.
To celebrate 100 years of ministry in this community.
And to celebrate God's faithfulness through it all.
The Carnival will be held at Royal Oak Baptist Church, from 4-8pm, different food stalls are available and all are welcome.
Sunday: A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
Then, on Sunday the 4th of October morning at 10am, we'll gather for a special Centennial Celebration Service.
Together, we'll worship, remember, give thanks and look forward to the next chapter of Royal Oak's story.
And because you can't celebrate a 100th birthday without one, we'll finish with cake!
The original 1926 article ended its account of that foundation-stone gathering with five simple words:
“For God’s goodness we are grateful.”
One hundred years later, we couldn't say it better ourselves.
So, to all the enthusiastic Baptists and friends of Royal Oak, past and present:
You’re invited.
Come and see old friends.
Come and share your stories.
Come and remember.
Come and celebrate.
Here’s to another bright day in the history of Royal Oak.
Register
Let us know if you’re coming: Register online
Image credit: article from the September 1926 NZ Baptist newspaper, taken from the Digital Baptist: baptist.nz/resources/archive
