Minister, Mamma, and Sister
St Johns Papatoetoe mourns the loss of her long-term minister, Rev Margaret Anne Low when she passed on from this life on Wednesday 6th July 2022. She was the “Mamma” of St Johns Cook Island Fellowship and sister to the church’s elders.
A private funeral service was conducted for family members.
Memorial service is Monday, 1 August 2022 2 PM
St Columba at Botany, 480 Ti Rakau Drive.
- On 5 December 2001, St Johns Papatoetoe Session agreed that a stated supply appointment be offered to Rev Margaret-Anne Low.
- On 20 March 2002, Rev Low began her time as Stated Supply Minister.
- On 3 July 2002, Session agreed to formally approach Rev Low to continue as Interim Minister.
- On 11 November 2002, upon the recommendation of the Board of Nomination, the Session agreed to put forward the name of Rev Low with the view of calling her to be the Minister.
- On 17 November 2002 a combined service and congregational meeting was held to consider a call to Rev Low.
- On 2 February 2003, Rev Low was inducted to the parish and served faithfully, conducting her final service on 17 October 2021 and completing her ministry at St Johns Papatoetoe on 30 October 2021.
Rev Low has been a strong supporter of the Cook Islands congregation since the day the Manukau Cook Islands Language Fellowship, led by Rev Maui Tohurangi, merged with St Johns Papatoetoe. Rev Low was well known and respected in the Cook Islands community as “Mamma Margaret” because of her support and involvement.
She was supportive of every religious and community undertaking the Cook Islands congregation was involved in, as one of 8 Cook Islands speaking congregations in Auckland. These included Combined Fellowship of all 8 congregations at least 4 times a year; combined Women’s Pentecost Fellowship every year; weekly lay-preaching classes and lay-preacher interchange to deliver sermons in the various congregations; and support to deliver Cook Islands family bereavement services and funeral services at St Johns Papatoetoe.
Rev Low’s legacy as a long time Minister of St Johns and strong supporter of the Papatoetoe community will be remembered where she served as a member of the Hunters Corner Business Association and conducted the local ANZAC Day service.
The Session of St Johns Papatoetoe mourns the loss of a sister whose unwavering efforts to proclaim the Word of God and the Love of Christ will remain an important chapter of her legacy.