CCCS Church of Apia to celebrate the Diamond of the Ocean 130th Anniversary

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 18 AUGUST 2022: The rich and colourful history of the simple looking and low lying structure of the Apia Congregational Christian Church could not be named the Diamond of the Ocean for no significant reason.

Built on 31 August 1892 and dedicated six years later, the Diamond of the Ocean had withstood many storms and challenges but witnessed many historic events that took place in the centre of Apia that shaped the city and Samoa’s ultimate history.

With its strategic location facing the Pacific Ocean, it was a significant landmark at the time for incoming ships and travellers – hence its name, the Diamond of the Ocean.

For 130 years, the church has withstood the elements and major cyclones and had stood witness to the commercial and political events that followed in Apia going into the 1900s and the country’s colonial take over after the First World War. Those events took place only a few steps west of the church’s location.

For the Congregational Christian Church on Samoa, the Apia Church is also significant being the final resting place of the LMS missionary, Reverend John Williams whose remains are buried underneath the entrance into the church.

Killed in Eromaga, in what is now Vanuatu, his remains were brought over and the John Williams Memorial is across from the church on the Apia waterfront.

The church as it is today with the Reverend John Williams Memorial facing the church.

The Apia congregation is preparing to celebrate the 130^th anniversary of the church 21 August.  According to the records, work on the original church started 31 August 1892 but this years’ celebration has been moved a week early to avoid clash with the main church Fonotele scheduled in early September.

According to church records, the first church minister was Reverend Nemaia and Noema led fundraising activities such as cricket tournaments to fund the construction of the church.

On 31 August 1892, work started and the church was dedicated 6 years later on 8 May 1898. The church was a commemoration of the LMS 100^th anniversary worldwide.

The current Apia church minister, Reverend Latai said the name Diamond of the Ocean originated from Reverend Nemaia’s sermon given the church’s ideal location overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The remaining pillar of history of the 19^th Century
While Apia town has undergone many changes over the years, Reverend Latai said the Diamond of the Ocean is probably the last remaining pillar of history for the 19^th Century.

According to the Apia church’s fourth church minister Reverend Tapeni Ioelu’s records, “It must have stood tall along Samoa’s 19^th Century coastline, in a harbour that was fast becoming the hub of trade and commerce at the time.”

It does make sense if it was used as a landmark or a lighthouse to guide ships into the harbour because it faces directly to the open harbour, said Reverend Latai.

Images of the Diamond of the Ocean are noted in photographs of significant ad historic events of the time such as the Mau peaceful marches, the colonial take over during the First World War and the arrival of the US marines during the second World Wars and many other historic events.

“It is interesting how Apia has changed but the church remains amidst all these changes,” said Reverend Latai.

He said a recent feasibility study conducted on the safety of the church confirmed the structure could survive another 100 years.

“The foundation is very strong and the materials used to build it were only melted coral – gamu and water rocks, and no metals and it could survive another 100 years,” said Reverend Latai.

He acknowledged Te Papa Museum in New Zealand for providing the photos and information that assisted them in compiling a simple history for the commemoration come Sunday.

The current church minister for the Apia church, Reverend Latu & Lotu Latai

A legacy for future generations
As a build up to the celebration, Revered Latai and Papalii Peone have created the EFKS Apia Facebook Page where the history of the Diamond of the Ocean is compiled and posted as a legacy for the younger generations of the church, Apia village and Samoa.

They have also encouraged everyone who grew up in the church and village to share their stories and experiences on the Facebook page.

“We want to research past history so people appreciate it more, and keep a reference for the future generation of the church and village, “said Reverend Latai.

Pastors who served EFKS Apia
Since the establishment of the church in 1892, eight church ministers have served the church and village:

• Reverend Nemaia & Noema (29 November 1885-11 June 1889)
• Reverend Solomona & Senetima Esene (1889-1918)
• Reverend Pouesi & Siuila Pouesi (1918-1942)
• Reverend Tapeni Ioelu (1944 – information on his wife name and when they started serving at EFKS not known)
• Reverend Faulalo and Liai Sagapolutele (1958-1982)
• Reverend Galueafa & Sooletala Aseta (1983-1996)
• Reverend Utufua & Taiaopo Naseri (1998-2019
• Reverend Latu & Lotu Latai  (currently serving at the church)

Reverend Latai said church members are excited about the upcoming event and for him, it’s a privilege to be serving at the church at such time.

“We have a simple program for the celebration which is the service on Sunday 21 August followed by a feast and everyone is welcome,” said Reverend Latai.