The enduring spirit of Esk Valley is shining brightly, as the Eskdale War Memorial Church is reopening its doors after a gruelling 10-month rebuilding process after Cyclone Gabrielle.
The historical landmark – a survivor of earthquakes and two major cyclone flooding events – celebrated its return with a heartwarming chorus of Christmas carols in a remarkable triumph over adversity.
Parishioners were greeted by the sound of bells ringing and the warm glow of candlelight for the first service since the cyclone.
As they walked in, the congregation were met with a newly-crafted welcome board at the entrance. The sign, made from the church's old floorboards, were engraved with the words "the winds have howled, the ground has shaken, the rains have come, the floods have surged, the church stands firm".
Organiser Linda Paterson was tearful after the conclusion of the service, calling the church a "special place".
Her sentiment was echoed by cyclone survivor Rikki Reed Davis, who attended the service with his young son.
Reed Davis was among the road crew warning people to evacuate when the cyclone first struck the Esk Valley.
"I spent the night across the road from the church hanging onto a tree half naked. It was this little fella’s smile that kept me going and holding on. I promised the church I’d be back to clean up."
He said he and his family found the service was "a good reminder that 'oh yep, it's Christmas' – we can all relax and the community's back together".
"Let’s count our blessings in this valley. We’ll love each other again and carry on."
Multiple items were lost from the church during Cyclone Gabrielle but some were salvaged, including records and hymn books, Paterson said.
While the reopening night marked a celebration of resilience, survivors such as Reed Davis continue to face challenges in rebuilding their lives.
"We’re still displaced, still have limited clothes, still have to find resources to do work and voluntary stuff and thinks like that but other than that, we’re in good spirits," Reed Davis said.
The church chairman, Thomas Clark, is eagerly anticipating the return of the carpet, organ and pews.
Regular church services are set to resume in the new year.
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