Historic Ega Lutheran Church in Kundiawa Marks 91 Years

Simbu's oldest church celebrated its 91st anniversary on Sunday with a grand renovation and rededication ceremony in Ega, Simbu province.

The Reverend William Bergmann Memorial Ega Lutheran Church was established in 1934 by Reverend William Bergmann from Germany.

The church marked the beginning of the Lutheran mission’s presence in Simbu.

The recent renovations, funded generously by Kerenga Kua, Member for Sinesine Yongomugl District, amounted to K150,000.

At the event, Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea [ELCPNG], Rev. Dr. Jack Urame, praised the church for its role as a cornerstone in spreading Christianity throughout Simbu.

He highlighted the sacrifices of early pastors, who laid the foundation for the faith community across the province.

"I want to call on the younger generation to step forward and continue growing God’s work for the next 50 years," he said.

The people of Finschaffen in Morobe were acknowledged for escorting the first missionaries to Simbu, by Kerenga Kua who emphasised on the crucial role the Morobean's played in planting the seeds of faith.

"To honor the connection, I want to announce the gifting of a young missionary from Simbu to continue the gospel work in Finschafen", Kua said.

Simbu Provincial Administrator John Punde addressed the pressing social challenges the country faces and underlined the church’s vital role in providing guidance and hope to the province and nation through divine intervention.

Rev. Baundo Kauga, District Circuit President, called on the community to revive its passion for spreading the gospel, urging this generation to sustain and expand the church’s mission as it approaches its century.

"Our celebrations here at the Reverend William Bergmann memorial Ega Lutheran Church not only honored its rich history but also set the stage for a renewed commitment to faith and community development in Simbu", Rev Baundo said