The Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Betela, stands tall once again in its renewed splendour, reopening its doors in the blaze of sun shining glory on Friday.

Just over a year ago on June 26, 2022, Betela’s Reverend Tereapii Matakere had conducted its last sermon inside the church for the year, before renovations started.

The reopening marks the church’s significant milestone in its journey and symbolises the congregation’s faith and renewed sense of purpose.

Special guests included King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, Prime Minister Mark Brown and his wife Daphne.

Dressed in white, the Ekalesia from the village and around the island and guests gathered together to witness the special reopening ceremony which was attended by around 1000 people.

The Titikaveka Ekalesia Secretary and Project Manager of the renovations, Ken Ben welcomed everyone inside the sparkling, renewed and refreshed church.

He expressed his joy and gratitude as he addressed the congregation and guests as the sun beamed through the large windows.

Songs of praise and joy echoed throughout the church as parishioners celebrated rejoicing in the House of the Lord.

Nooroa Rata from Titikaveka said she was “overwhelmed” to be at the reopening.

“It’s so good to see it is reopened, it is so beautiful, they have a wonderful job its really to see everything is done.”

The Titikaveka CICC is the only church that does not have any allocated seats for VIPs, Ariki or politicians, everyone is the same.

Originally established in 1841, the church has played a vital role in the lives of the faithful in the village and has witnessed significant events.

The renovation work included restoration work, new lights, new wiring, replacing weathered beams,  two new entrance shelters with its own seating, but still preserving its original design.

A dedicated team of Keta Williams builders led by foreman John Poila, AJ Plumbing and Electrical, tilers and community volunteers all lent a hand to enhancing its structural and visual appeal.

The Gospel was introduced to Rarotonga on July 25, 1823, four years later it was established in Titikaveka.

Three churches were built - the first in the area of Tepuna, Rangitaku and later the final one on the marae ‘Are Tika’ where it stands today.

Betela is a living monument that serves as a reminder of the ways and beliefs instilled by the early missionaries.

The construction started in 1835 on the land of Areika where it stands today, and opened in 1841 -  some of the material that was used was from the United Kingdom.  

The utu tree which still stands in front of the church is significant, this was the meeting place for the Ui Mataiapo known as ‘Peipei Utu’ (sharing ideas under the tree).

Betela’s  first renovation project took place in 1884, when the three-gabled thatched roof tops were joined into one corrugates iron roof.

In 1974, significant changes were made which include: the floor being removed and replaced with concrete; ans the special area inside the church assigned to te pastor, his assistant ans their wives were removed.

Another renovation in 1985 saw the windows and doors redone, new fans installed and the floor tiled.

In 2005, the limestone walls were re-cemented due to crumbling material from the top ans the windows ans doors were replaced.

The church has an unwavering presence in the village and the reopening of Betela stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Christianity in the Cook Islands .

Now the church has officially reopened, the congregation is prepared and will be participating in the CICC General Assembly and the Bicentennial 200 Year commemoration of the Arrival of the Gospel to Rarotonga in July.