"It's very poignant and puts things in perspective," one of the jubilee organisers, Christine Cleugh, of Gimmerburn, said.
The anniversary celebrations attracted almost 100 people from all over the South Island. The event took the form of a dinner on Saturday night in Ranfurly followed by a parade and church service in the town yesterday.
The Rev Stephanie Wells officiated at the service, together with Mrs Cleugh, who is a St John chaplain.
Ms Wells said St John volunteers were involved immediately after the earthquake hit Christchurch.
"What struck me, was here was all these people, who had gone through the same disaster, the same 7.1 magnitude earthquake, and they went straight out to help others. We felt it here and it was pretty scary, but imagine what it was like for those people.
"They were out answering emergency calls in ambulances, picking up sick and injured people and helping those at the welfare centres as part of the first aid team, ignoring their own needs and that of their family to help others."
Their efforts summed up what the organisation was all about and illustrated the selflessness of volunteers who served their community, she said.
Mrs Cleugh said the weekend marked "what we hope is the first 50 years of St John in the Maniototo."
Two foundation members, Jim Tallentire (87), of Timaru, and Zona McKnight (84), of Ranfurly, were made life members of the organisation, as were Joe and Margaret Lockhart, of Ranfurly, who have been involved in St John for about 40 years.
Mr Tallentire was not surprised the organisation was still going strong: "That's what it's like in the Maniototo. It's a fairly wonderful community and the support is excellent."
Mrs McKnight said being awarded life membership was a real surprise and she "just loved" her time in the organisation.
Mrs Cleugh said the occasion was a great catch-up.
