The Matuu and Faganeanea Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa celebrated 100 years on Saturday.
Rev. Fouvale Asiata the 11th church minister assigned to Matuu and Faganeanea CCCAS detailed the history of the church.
He said neither the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa nor the headquarters of the CCCAS at Kanana Fou had any information on the establishment of the Matu’u and Faganeanea church in their archives.
Rev. Asisata said he relied on three elderly people, including the oldest person living in American Samoa, 101-year old Fiatagata Leaeno for information on the history of their congreghation.
He said before they had their own church, people of Matu’u and Faganeanea were attending the Nu’uuli church while others went to Pago Pago.
The first church for Matuu and Faganeanea was a traditional fale with a thatched roof belonging to Chief Savea.
This stood near the Matu’u stream.
It is believed that because of the lack of theological graduates, when the church started in 1916 it was looked after by Rev. Iosia and faletua Folototo Taufi from Aunu’u.
Rev. Taufi is said to be one of Samoa’s missionaries to the Papua New Guinea before he returned and became the first recorded faifeau for the Falelua of Matu’u and Faganeanea.
Saturday’s event was attended by several church leaders as well as government leaders including Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga.
The festivities including the unveiling of a headstone with the names of the 11 church Ministers who served the congregation.
Guests were treated to a lavish feast with entertainment provided by the youth and presentation of sua for the VIPs.
