More than 6,000 people are currently gathered at Tabalia, the headquarters of the Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) in West Guadalcanal, to celebrate the community’s 100th Anniversary (1925–2025) — marking a century of faith, service, and brotherhood within the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
The gathering, expected to be the largest includes Brothers, Novices, Former Brothers, Companions, family members, supporters, and visiting Brothers, Companions, and Section Fathers from Vanuatu Region, Papua New Guinea Region, North Queensland (Australia), Philippines, and beyond.
According to Brothers and Novices coordinating visitor logistics, the number of attendees is expected to increase towards the weekend, as more family members and friends will come to witness the admission of new Novices into full Brotherhood membership during the climax of the centenary celebration on Sunday.
The centenary week began on Saturday, 18th October 2025, with a float parade from Honiara’s All Saints area to Tabalia, led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Band and members of the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands.
Upon arrival at Tabalia on Saturday, a colorful welcome ceremony took place, featuring the raising of flags, cutting of the Centenary cake, and the unveiling of the Centenary signboard. These formalities were followed by Archbishop Leonard Dawea, Father of the Brotherhood, officially declaring the weeklong celebration open.
On Sunday, 19th October 2025, an Opening Holy Eucharist Service was held at Tabalia. The service was presided over by Archbishop Leonard, while the Right Reverend Joseph Keith, Bishop of North Queensland, delivered a powerful sermon that reminded the Brotherhood and its supporters of the enduring legacy of Ini Kopuria, the community’s founder, and the call to live a life of humble service and mission.
The full sermon was streamed live on the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Facebook page, allowing members and supporters across the region to join in worship and thanksgiving.
Following the weekend’s opening events, Monday and Tuesday were set aside for spiritual retreats, conducted by Rev. Richard Carter, a priest from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London. The retreats offered Novices, Brothers, Companions, and participants time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
A Centenary Symposium began on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025) led by Rev. Dr. Atkin Zaku, who focused on the history and growth of the Melanesian Brotherhood over the past century. The Symposium continues tomorrow (Thursday, 23rd October 2025) with Rev. Dr. Robert Fakafu, Dean of Bishop Patteson Theological College, expected to lead the next session based on the theme “Learning from the Past and Looking Beyond.”
The celebrations will reach their climax on Sunday, 26th October 2025, with the admission of third-year Novices into full membership of the Melanesian Brotherhood. Tabalia is expected to be filled with worshippers and guests for this historic and sacred occasion.
Founded in 1925 by Ini Kopuria, a former police officer from Maravovo Village, the Melanesian Brotherhood has grown into one of the largest religious orders in the Anglican Communion, with branches in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Australia, and parts of the United Kingdom.
Known for its simplicity, discipline, and commitment to mission, the Brotherhood has played a vital role in evangelism, peacebuilding, and community development across the Pacific and beyond.
As the Brotherhood celebrates this milestone, members are also looking ahead to the next century — renewing their commitment to faith, obedience, and service, values that have sustained their mission for the past 100 years.
“This centenary celebration is more than a commemoration — it is a renewal of the Brotherhood’s call to serve God and His people across Melanesia and beyond,” said one Companion member during the Symposium.
The theme for this centenary is: “Celebrating the Melanesian Brotherhood: A Centenary of Ministry, Faith, and Mission.”
