National Gospel Day in the Cook Islands Date in the current year: October 26, 2024
National Gospel Day is celebrated in the Cook Islands every year on October 26. This holiday celebrates the day, when Christianity was brought to the islands by a missionary John Williams in 1821.Reverend John Williams volunteered his service with the London Missionary Society in 1816. Together with his wife, he sailed to Tahiti to work there. He was urged to Roratonga, where he sailed with his wife and some Tahitian evangelists, but he found the island of Aitutaki, where he landed on October 26, 1821.
Christianity spread across the island very fast and the islanders rejected their idols. In 1823 Williams opened the first Christian church on the island. From Aitutaki Christianity spread to the islands of Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and finally to Rarotonga, that was the ultimate goal of Williams' voyage.
Celebration of National Gospel Day usually includes singing religious songs. Special masses are served in the churches across the Cook Islands, the islanders and tourists enjoy spectacular fireworks and fire shows.
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- Cook Islands
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- national gospel day, gospel day in cook islands, public holiday, observances in cook islands, john williams