The Community of the Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH), together with novices, companions, parishioners, and nearby communities of Saint Peter, Vutu, in North Guadalcanal, gathered to bless the gravestone and monument cross of the late former MBH Brother, Benjamin Bokoe.
The Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, officiated the morning Holy Eucharist in remembrance of Brother Benjamin Bokoe and conducted the blessing of his gravestone and monument.
The late Benjamin Bokoe was one of the first six members of the Melanesian Brotherhood who, alongside his first cousin and founder, the late Ini Kopuria, helped begun the the work of the community.
Yesterday’s (Sunday 27th July) ceremony forms part of the Brotherhood’s preparations for its 100th Anniversary to be held October this year, during which the graves and monuments of the first six brothers are being restored in honor of their contribution to the mission and ministry of the community.
In his address after the service, Head Brother Junior Ini reflected on the sacrifice of the first six brothers who stood with the founder:
“It is fitting that the MBH community and the church honor them for their simple yet impactful service to the mission and ministry of the Brotherhood and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM). Today we face many new challenges, but we pray that the God who entrusted this community to prosper will continue to guide it into the future,” he said.
Reverend Nelson Bako, Mission Secretary of ACoM and a former member of the Brotherhood, also shared a brief history of the first six brothers: the late Moffat Ohigita, Dudley Bale, Maurice Maneae, Cecil Luzagathaga, Hugo Hulon (from the Diocese of Ysabel), and Benjamin Bokoe (from the Diocese of Guadalcanal). He noted that these brothers were admitted at Siota in 1926 on Whit Monday, when the community’s rules were first developed and adopted.
In his sermon, Bishop Loe highlighted the significance of the contribution made by the founder and the six brothers to the mission and ministry of the MBH and ACoM today:
“We should be proud of who we are because one of our own sons, Brother Benjamin Bokoe, joined his cousin Ini Kopuria to begin the work Christ entrusted to them. Today, the MBH is recognized across the Anglican Communion for its humble mission and ministry. We must continue to support this work our forebears started,” Bishop Loe said.
He also encouraged the tribes and families present to follow the example set by the first brothers:
“The first six brothers and the founder have done their part; now it is our time to allow God into our lives and become proclaimers of the Gospel,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency Hon. Paul Bosowai, Paramount Chief John Seketala, family members, companions, and supporters of the Brotherhood, who witnessed the historic event.
Head Brother Junior Ini thanked the families, companions, and supporters who contributed to restoring the graves and erecting the monuments of the first six brothers. He urged continued support as the Brotherhood prepares for its centenary celebrations in October this year.
The grave and monument of Brother Benjamin Bokoe mark the completion of this restoration project. The centenary will be celebrated under the theme:
“Celebrating Melanesian Brotherhood Centenary of Ministry, Faith, and Service.”
