Patamea village congregation to rebuild burnt down church

APIA, SAMOA – 13 JANUARY 2022: Less than a week after the Congregational Christian Church of Patamea, Savaii burnt down, the congregation is already moving with bold plans to build a new church.

The church minister, Reverend Tanielu Tupuse, the church Executive and the village member of Parliament, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio are leading a fund raising drive for a new church building.

The congregation is hosting a Radiothon this Saturday infront of the Government Building as the major fundraiser for the project.

Yesterday, the church Minister, the church executive and MP made a public appeal through the media, for support of not only the village members and families in Samoa and around the world but anyone who is willing to give.

Patamea church minister Tanielu Tupuse (4th from left), MP Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio (with ulafala) and members of the Patamea EFKS church executive

The fundraiser has been given the support of the FAST political party through the Patamea Member of Parliament, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

FAST Chairman, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao said the fundraiser is supported by the party and will use its social media channels to promote the drive and has appealed to the party supporters for help.

Last night, La’auli started the ball rolling by pledging $10,000 to the project on behalf of his constituency and families.

Remains of the front of the burnt down Patamea EFKS church

The Patamea village church building is about three years old and was burnt to the ground last Thursday night and an electrical fault is suspected.

Reverend Tanielu Tupuse said an investigation is in progress into the cause of the fire.

The Patamea congregation has 41 active member families – matafale and are looking at raising a million tala for a new church building.

Patamea MP, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio said the Radiothon will begin at 0700 on Saturday morning in a gala style event with entertainment, food and other events for those who will come down to the Government Building to support the fundraising drive.