Members of the Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church (SISDAC) from around the world came together to celebrate the opening of their new church in Apia on Tuesday.
The new deep yellowish church building in Tuafusi is very distinctive and it stand out in Apia’s townscape.
The church is part of complex that will become the main centre for SISDAC in Samoa.
It replaces a building that was destroyed by fire in 2012.
The cost of the building was originally set down to $10 million, and donations from various parishes with 8 of them donating more than a million tala each, contributed to the overall cost which of SAT$12,154,764.00.
The celebration was attended by His Highness the Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Masiofo Filifilia, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians and friends.
His Highness the Head of State and Masiofo were guests at the opening.
The opening celebration started with Masiofo Filifilia and Tiana Papu, SISDAC President’s wife cutting the ribbon, before retired Pastor Polataivao Va’alele Te’o opened the church doors to allow everyone inside for the official service.
The work was meant to be done within a year with work starting in September 2013 and for it to be christened in September 2014,” said Pastor Vaotu’ua.
The delay was due to bad weather and the delayed arrival of building materials from overseas.
As the delay was further extended, the building contractor, Quin Dao was reminded of the construction policies where funds could be deducted from their service if work does not meet the deadline.
According to Pastor Vaotu’ua, when the work was delayed for the second time, the SISDAC leaders told Quin Dao that a penalty of $10,000 would be deducted from their payment to which Quin Dao agreed to.
However, that did not happen as SISDAC leaders wanted to pay Quin Dao for their full service.
Source
- talamua.com
- Image: talamua.com
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News category: Asia Pacific.
