Church opens debt-free premises

Press, 26 October 1989, Page 24

Church opens debt-free premises

PA Auckland A South Auckland congregation which split from its parent church after a much-publicised dispute has found a new beginning. The Alpha and Omega Church in Mangere has opened its doors debt-free with $40,000 to spare after eight years of services at an old theatre. The 400-strong congregation achieved its dream with the help of 12 churches which raised $324,000 in two days. The Alpha and Omega congregation split from the Samoan Congregational Church eight years ago after a dispute when the then minister, the Rev. Manase Mahase, was ousted, resulting in a large part of the 500strong congregation following him. They have since been holding services at Mangere’s Metro Theatre. The choirs of several denominations recently competed, with performances generating thousands of dollars. Donations boosted the pool to $324,000. The target was $260,000. Matipo Manase, the Rev. Manase’s son, said one of the biggest donations was $50,000 from the. Congregational Christian Church of Mangere East.