To mark the 40th Anniversary of the Samoa Observer, a series of selected articles printed over the last 40 years will be re-published in the next two weeks, to show our readers the issues covered by this newspaper over the years and the personalities that made the headlines. 

First Published: 01 February 1979

His highness, the Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II lay the foundation stone for the Baha’i House of worship in Samoa at Tiapapata last Saturday afternoon.

And representing the church’s headquarters in Israel was the “distinguished Mmme Ruhiyyih Rabbin” who is also a “renounced writer,”

The ceremony was also attended by several government officials and church ministers of other religions among more than 500 others.

In his ceremonial address, His Highness spoke of unity. The unity of religions and races and on how Samoa was founded on God. 

Madame Rabbani in her remarks stressed that when the temple was built, people of all religions, as well as those of no religious belief would be welcome.

She said that because there was no clergy in the Baha’i Faith, only scriptures from the bible and other sacred Holy Books, including the Baha’i writings would be read in the temple.

After the stone laying ceremony, songs were sung by the Baha’i choir.

“An outstanding sua” was served and sasa then took place.

The ceremony was capped with a banquet at the Tusitala Hotel where the guests were entertained with classical Persian music played on the santur.

“The dedication ceremony was the highlight of a special Baha’i Conference held at the Feiloa’imauso Hall in the weekend,” a Baha’i Minister said in a press statement.