Descendant returns to celebrate missionary Rev. Lawes’ legacy in Papua New Guinea

A descendant of a pioneering missionary has returned to Papua New Guinea to honor his ancestor's enduring legacy. Anthony William George Lawes, the seventh-generation great-grandson of Reverend William George Lawes, visited Port Moresby to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his ancestor's arrival and his significant impact on the Central Province.

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It is the history of our family, and to be able to connect with the people who had a connection with our family ties, both us and the people of PNG together.

Reverend Lawes, an English missionary and linguist, first arrived on the shores of Port Moresby 150 years ago. He established the first mission station in the Hula and Babaka villages of the Rigo district, embarking on a mission to spread the Christian gospel. His descendant's visit aims to reconnect with the communities that were touched by his family's historical presence.

"It is the history of our family, and to be able to connect with the people who had a connection with our family ties, both us and the people of PNG together," Mr. Lawes stated, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of his visit. He expressed a desire to deepen his connection with the people he has met and foster continued friendships.

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For me, it means that I have a very strong connection to PNG now after my first visit, and I want to deepen that connection with the people I’ve met and become friendly with, and I want to continue that friendship.

This year, the villages of Babaka, Keapara, and Hula are hosting significant celebrations to commemorate 150 years since Reverend Lawes' arrival. These events serve as a testament to the profound influence the missionary had on the communities, not only through the introduction of Christianity but also through education. During the 2024 celebrations, Babaka's renovated church was rededicated as the Lawes Memorial Church, and a memorial plaque was unveiled to honor the early missionaries who served there.

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Two years ago, Mr Anthony William George Lawes visited Port Moresby for the first time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his ancestor’s arrival in the country on November 22, 1874.

Former Rigo MP, retired Captain Lekwa Gure, noted the significance of Mr. Lawes' presence, stating it was fitting for a descendant to participate in the celebrations. Mr. Lawes had previously visited Port Moresby in 2024 to mark the 150th anniversary of his ancestor's arrival on November 22, 1874. This current visit, however, is on behalf of his family to specifically mark Reverend Lawes' arrival in Hula and Babaka villages in 1876.

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This time, he is here on behalf of his family to mark the arrival of Late Reverend William George Lawes at Hula and Babaka villages in 1876.