On 16 May 2025 current and former members of the Christchurch Prayer Group gathered for a special occasion to mark 50 years since the founding of this group. It was a particular delight to have Rosemary Troughton, a founding member, join us. Memories were shared and conversation flowed as old friends reconnected. Two ladies from the same church were surprised to discover they had been prayer ladies in different eras! The gathering was also joined by Hudson Deane, the founding Dean of the Christchurch branch college, who expressed his gratefulness for the faithful pray-ers who upheld him in prayer in those early years of the fledgling branch College.

The first meeting of the “South Island Branch Bible College Ladies Committee” was held on Thursday 17 April 1975, a few months after classes started in Christchurch. Modelled on the Ladies Committee in Auckland, the group was guided by Hudson’s wife, Rosemary Deane. The committee met monthly to pray for students and the work of the College. The ‘prayer ladies’, as they were affectionately called, had their own group of students they prayed for, invited home for meals and picnics, and kept in touch by phone and letter. Each month they would meet the students, initially after class on Saturdays and later on Tuesday or Thursday evenings.

While their role was primarily to pray, their hospitality services were also called on. The original minute book includes catering lists for public events, indicating a lot of trifles were made during those early years!

As the College timetable changed over the years, and more programmes were added, the opportunity to meet with students in small groups became more challenging. The Christchurch Prayer Group now meets monthly on Friday mornings to pray for the College and particular needs of students. A staff member is usually invited to come and share more personally about their role and prayer needs.

At the gathering in May we acknowledged the many prayer group members who are now in Glory, some too frail to attend, some who have moved out of the area, or those who we have lost touch with. National Principal, Roshan Allpress, gave grateful thanks to everyone present who have so faithfully prayed for our students and the work of the College. We look forward to gathering again for the larger 50th Jubilee celebration in September!