The Epochs of Edgeware & the Papanui Spiritual Centre
The legacy of spiritual practice and community enrichment can be traced back to the esteemed Mr. Moody and the Edgeware Church. Under his guidance and commitment, the church thrived as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and a sanctuary for all seekers of truth. His teachings and work at Edgeware created a lasting legacy that many would draw inspiration from.
Sallyanne Dawber, President of the Church Committee, recognised the importance of Mr. Moody's contributions and fuelled by her own deep spiritual connection, took the mantle to further elevate and expand upon this legacy. She understood that change was necessary to ensure the continued growth and relevance of the community's spiritual endeavors. With a heavy heart but clear vision, the decision was made to sell the Edgeware Church. This move, however, was not an end but a transformational beginning.
Sally, with the dedicated support of fellow committee member Nicki Tasker, successfully acquired a new location in Papanui, marking the dawn of the Papanui Spiritual Centre. This new centre was envisioned as a place where the community could continue to gather, share, and grow spiritually, building on the strong foundations laid by Mr. Moody. As Sally crossed the threshold of the new building, a vivid vision of a lotus flower washed over her, affirming that this was indeed the right place. The lotus, with its profound symbolism of purity, enlightenment, and the initiation of their spiritual journey, seemed to have taken root in the heart of Papanui. The lotus has remained the symbol for the centre, as is in our logo.
The church's closing was marked with a profound ceremony. Community members, in a final ode to Edgeware, held candles, symbolising the eternal light she had ignited in their lives. These candles, flickering in the dimming light, represented the memories, teachings, and spirits of Edgeware, ensuring that while they were moving forward, they would never forget their roots. The ceremony culminated outside, forming a circle, where Sally led a ritual to release all the accumulated energy and spirits, marking a respectful and heartfelt closure to the church's long-standing history. Together, they expressed their gratitude and released the spirits, marking an end and a new beginning.
However, the journey to establishing the Papanui Spiritual Centre was not without its challenges. The initial months were filled with administrative tasks, profound cleansing rituals, and preparation to make the centre a welcoming haven for spiritual practices. But as they say, the path to enlightenment often requires overcoming obstacles, and the centre faced a significant early hurdle. A mysterious and unexplainable plumbing malfunction saw water flood throughout the building, rising ankle deep throughout. At first this seemed like a calamity that threatened to dampen the spirits of the community – but Sally saw it for what it really was – a magical blessing and cleansing from the land.
This gave Sally and Nicki the drive to continue forward. They waded through insurance procedures, undertook the daunting task of rebuilding and renovating, and faced every challenge head-on, with unwavering faith and determination. And after overcoming these tribulations, the Papanui Spiritual Centre was finally renewed and ready, opening its doors for a much-anticipated final inauguration in the Winter of 2023. This grand re-opening was not just a celebration of a new space, but a testament to the resilience, commitment, and spiritual strength of a community dedicated to their calling.
