The Titoki Christian Healing Centre celebrated 50 years of operation at an event attended by about 100 people on Saturday.

Staffed by volunteers since 1976, the property in Poroporo has been used for camps, prayer retreats and as a venue from which to assist returning missionaries adjust to life in modern New Zealand society.

Titoki Trust member Bert Schoneveld said weather for the Saturday event was perfect and attendees made the most of an opportunity to catch up, in some cases having not seen one another for many years.

“It was a great occasion for former staff, guests, volunteers and friends of Titoki to get together.”

Supported by many churches located in the Eastern Bay, Titoki grew from the vision of Anglican clergyman Rev Don Ferguson.

“He had a passion to help people grow towards wholeness in Christ and under his leadership Titoki was established in a large home on a 10-acre property.

“The vision was to provide a place of rest, renewal, and new beginnings for anyone who needed time out. Those who served here voluntarily gave their time to cook, clean, and take care of the gardens.”

Over the years, accommodation expanded, with the venue eventually able to host about 20 guests. Volunteers have long included locals who commute to Titoki in support of those who live on site. None of them had received a salary.

On Saturday guests made the most of their opportunity to chat in the gardens and under the shade of the mature trees outside the chapel.

Highlights included the full historical record of Titoki’s story in three booklets compiled by Peggy Fussell and Rev Schoneveld; The Red Freds string quartet provided background music, Israeli dancers entertained and a barbecue lunch of gourmet sausages was served.

“We appreciated being served by members of the Interact group, from Whakatane High School,” Rev Schoneveld said.

“The centre-piece of it all was the Thanksgiving Service reflecting on past stories with a touch of humour and looking forward in song and prayer to the future through the lens of Christ’s teaching.

“To mark the occasion, a Titoki tree, noted for its healing properties, was planted. The cake was cut, followed by a generous afternoon tea.

“It was a beautiful day.”