Ex-students celebrate 145th year of Tupou College [1]
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 21:32. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:54.
HUNDREDS of Tupou College Ex-students marched through central Nuku'alofa this morning, June 21 to commemorate the 145th anniversary of the Free Wesleyan Church's All Boys Secondary School.
Ex-students came out smartly dressed in their signature blue jackets and marched from Maamaloa Grounds to Taufa'ahau Road and back to the FWC Centennial Church, Saione led by the three brass bands of Tupou College, Queen Salote College and Tupou College Ex-Students.
Joining the march were Prince Tungi and Hon 'Etani Tuku'aho, the grandchildren of the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV who attended the college.
Leading the march was the President of the Free Wesleyan Church Rev Dr 'Ahio, former FWC President Rev Dr 'Alifeleti Mone, FWC Secretary Rev Tevita Havea and the President of the Tokaikolo Church Rev Dr Liufau Vailea Saulala.
A few of the elderly ex-students also joined the march including Tevita Vaingalo (94) and Viliami Kioa (80).
The anniversary celebration continues on June 25 at Toloa with a Prayer Service marking its 145th anniversary followed by feasting and entertainment.
Tupou College,Tonga's oldest secondary school established in 1866, is an all boys' boarding school.
The anniversary coincides with the FWC Annual Church Conference, which is held from June 21-29 in Nuku'alofa. A Po Lotu or Choir Singing at the Centennial Church was followed by an opening feast this evening.