The dedication and blessing of a more than $2.1 million church renovation project took place today at the headquarters of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa at Kananafou.
Leaders and ministers oif various churches came together with government and traditional leaders to celebrate with the CCCAS, the completion of the “Ua Taunuu” church renovation.
CCCAS General Secretary Rev. Nafatali Falealii said it was in February of 2017 that the church suffered damage during strong winds.
Public Works was requested to survey the damage and the survey found that some of the beams were rotting from termite infestation.
The CCCAS Chairman convened an emergency meeting and it was approved that a renovation of the existing church building be carried out.
Rev. Falealii said the two options discussed were to tear down the old building and build a completely new church or renovate and rebuild the old church building.
The decision was to renovate the old church.
The contractor was Paramount Builders and the cost was $2.1 million.
After the Director of Public Works Faleosina Voigt presented the certificate of occupancy to the church leaders, First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga cut the ribbon and keys of the church were handed to the wife of Paramount President, Leota Wanda Alofa.
A prayer service was led by Rev. Elder Faaeteete Saifoloi, during which the general secretary and church treasurer provided a detailed account of the project and the source of funding for the renovations.
Paramount Builders President Laulii Alofa was credited for providing free labor for the project.
In the absence of Governor Lolo Moliga, Senate President Gaoteote Palaie spoke on behalf of the government to congratulate the CCCAS on completion of this magnificent house of worship.
The interior is indeed a sight to behold with striking stained glass windows as a back drop to an elaborately laid out altar and pulpit.
The church has central air conditioning and comfortable padded pews.
While the interior is fully completed, there’s still work to be done on the exterior of the church.
