The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Sauano village, Fagaloa, celebrated the opening of a new church building on Friday.

It was a moment to treasure families attending the church, who had been longing for a new church building.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Reverend Ieti Tofaeono said the opening came after so much hard work and effort by the families involved who have foregone sleep to make contributions to the funding drive for the new building which cost just under $237,000.

“It’s a dream come true for the families, the outcome of their commitment to God has been shown through this church."

“Although it was impossible to achieve such a beautiful outcome, the families and ourselves have worked hard through [barbecues], Bingo earnings and so forth.”

The church building is 84 feet long and 32 feet wide and is a two-storey building that took five months to complete. 

Local carpenter Seatu Asotasi Iakopo, who resides at the next village in Fagaloa called Saletele, built the structure.

Seatu said his biggest reward was seeing the happy faces of the church members at the end of the project.

“Being part of this work too has helped me spiritually, I mean I go to church but being a tufuga (carpenter) for something like this is a blessing,” he said.

Seatu was also impressed with the hard work by the families in the church for having faith in his work that had made the opening a success in only five months.

The former Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and and his wife, Filifilia Tamasese, attended the opening.

Prior to the opening, the church compound was the sight of ta'alolo and traditional festivities.

The occasion culminated with a big feast.