It has been 133 years since the first four members of the Roman Catholic's Dominican order arrived in Queenstown.
Mother Raymond, and Sisters Columba, Rose and Joseph answered the call to provide education and religious guidance to the gold rush town.
When they arrived after dark on February 8, 1883, on the paddle steamer Mountaineer, with Bishop Moran, they were welcomed by a band and their carriage was led in a procession up Queenstown Hill.
In the intervening years, the order established St Joseph's Church and primary school, and has been a rich part of the district's religious and community life.
But now, Queenstown's last Dominican Sister is preparing to bid farewell to the resort. Sister Mary Anna Baird (75) leaves for pastures new on Saturday.
"There is a sadness in our presence not being here but the people will carry this charism on,'' Sr Mary Anna said.
"That's the way God works through communities. Our spirit will be carried on through the lives of these people.''
Twelve members of the Dominican order, founded 800 years ago, attended Mass at St Patrick's in Arrowtown yesterday, followed by a luncheon at the town's bowling club.
"I looked at the children at the service this morning and thought ‘Who's educating who?','' Sr Mary Anna said.
"They are so lovely, local kids whose parents want their faith nurtured.
"They might step away from it, then perhaps come back, who knows? But you plant the seeds. That's what's important.''
Sr Mary Anna, originally from Invercargill, has lived in the resort for 10 years, living in Arrowtown, after serving in Asia.
"I simply devoured this place; the scenery, the people, just God's presence here.''
Sr Mary Anna said she had not yet been told where her next posting would be.
"A neighbour said to me: ‘Isn't there a certain age where you don't have to move around?'
"But I said life is not about that. It is important to live fully, rather than think, now I'm 75 I better just sit down and start knitting.''
St Joseph's Primary School principal Trisch Inder said she would be greatly missed.
"Her attitude about change is amazing. She says there's a reason for it and God knows what He's doing. We're all really sad that she's leaving but it's part of her journey, too.''
