The sun shone brightly on Apia harbour as the church bells echoed with congregations gathering inside the old white churches as pastors and followers praised the arrival of Easter.

It was a moving service, the organ choir comprising lyrical Samoan hymns from each church echoing throughout their respective abodes.

Apia churches are known for their choral music, which was the beginning for many who took it on as an art and the origin of musical talents in Samoa. Tourists and locals alike enjoyed the Easter church service.

The Congregational Church of Jesus in Samoa (Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Iesu i Samoa), also known as the Lotu Pouesi to its followers was filled with families singing praise. Locked doors and windows made for a good flow of the high ceiling airconditioned with a raised pulpit home to the pastoral speakers.

An elder of the church, Fesola'i Wayne Tavita told Samoa Observer that many of Apia's musicians started from this church.

"When you hear the choir you know it is special. These are the songs our ancestors sang as we have many original songs so people who came to this church are well-known for their musical talents," Fesola'i said. "Even families carry the talent to their children. I wish everyone a happy Easter."

Well-known Samoan pianist and musician, Sa'u Palauni Seumanutafa was the choirmaster for the Easter celebration. 

The young a'oa'o (pastor) quoted from the Gospel of Luke Chapter 24 and highlighted the need not to have doubt and to always believe in Jesus.

He articulated the warmth of Easter and what it meant for everyone who believed in the return of Christ from the tomb. To the pastor it meant knowing with certainty that "we are never alone".

For the old church E.F.K.S Apia which continued to age with time, having been constructed in 1892, its worshippers of both old and new paid tribute to the occasion of Easter and the divine message that came with it.

Reverend Dr. Latu Latai then asked the children what they knew of Easter eggs. He held up a basked filled with easter eggs, and reminded the congregation that it was a symbol of new life. 

"I have been saving these easter eggs for the congregation. I hid it from my children and their mother," he said. "Now, I show you these because, after this sermon, I will share it with all of you here today as a reminder that Easter Sunday.

"As it is when our Lord Jesus was raised from the grave after his crucifixion. It is a symbol of new life."

The Apia Protestant Church also did skits for the youth while the Catholic Cathedral of Matafele was full for their Easter morning service. 

The unison of the organ choir's Samoan hymns would have been hard to miss for someone walking around Apia. It is understood that some of the churches will continue with Easter skits by the youth later in the evening. 

Children ran in and outside of the churches as is common on Sundays, a sign of impatience for the restless children. At the harbor, small boats swayed as the white traveling clouds shaped Apia's horizon.