After pointing out the fire exits, the pastor advised everyone to greet their neighbours.
"Turn to the person next to you and say 'Good morning, saint' - it will probably be the first time you have been called a saint but hopefully it won't be the last."
An activities space for children was provided where young people were treated to a re-enactment of the meeting between the Reverend Samuel Marsden and Ngapuhi leader Ruatara more than 200 years ago. Faith City Church pastor Andrew Stanbrook-Mason, playing Marsden, and Jacob McGregor as Ruatara recreated the historic meeting of the two seafarers.
According to historical record, Ruatara and Marsden became friends when they sailed from London on board the ship Ann - Marsden to work for the Christian Missionary Society in Australia and New Zealand and Ruatara trying to return home after a failed mission to meet with the English king.
Marsden is said to have cared for the ailing Ruatara who was malnourished and ill as a result of beatings and abuse he suffered on the whaling and sealing ships he had travelled on to England.
Ruatara would later repay Marsden by ensuring safe passage for him when he arrived in the Bay of Islands.
Sunday's gathering at Springvale Stadium included Whanganui MP Chester Borrows and deputy mayor Hamish McDouall as well as representatives from many Wanganui congregations.
The 1500-capacity stadium was almost full and there were no spaces left in the car park.
Mr Irwin said the bicentenary celebration was as much about setting a precedent for the future as honouring the past.
"The phrase we use is Te Karanga ki tua - The call to the future.
"It is about how we continue from here," he said.