The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa [C.C.C.S.] at Safotu in Savai'i celebrated a milestone on Friday morning. 

The auspicious occasion was the dedication of the parish's $334,579 new hall, replacing the building the congregation had been using for more than two decades. 

The Chairman of the C.C.C.S., Reverend Elder Iosefa Atapana Uilelea and Tekimatang Uilelea were among hundreds of those who gathered to witness the momentous celebration. 

The Secretary of the Gagaifomauga District, Reverend Panapa To'o led the service to bless the new hall while Tekimatang Uilelea was given the honor to cut the ribbon to officially open the project.

Taito Tapale Leali'ifano was in charge of construction work for the new building which took them twelve weeks to complete. 

Reverend Elder Tanielu Apineru who is the resident minister for the Safotu parish and the Reverend Elder for the Gagaifomauga District was overwhelmed with joy and immediately credited God's love and mercy for the success of such an important project. 

"With hearts filled with gratitude, we have gathered here to give thanks to God for making all of these possible," Reverend Elder Tanielu said. 

"We acknowledge him and love upon us and all those who have helped us with the completion of this project."

Reverend Elder Tanielu acknowledged the strong support of sons and daughters from Safotu residing in Sydney, Australia who contributed and donated money for the new hall. 

"$231,000 came from Safotu's sons and daughters in Sydney Australia. And we would like to acknowledge them for their great contribution and for the willingness to lend a hand so we can carry out this project."

The congregation managed to save and fundraise a total of $280,000 and that was the money they used to start the project, according to Reverend Elder Tanielu.

"Throughout this whole project, God provided ways and blessed us in different ways, which contributed to the success of this project. 

"We are so grateful to God for providing us and enabling us to carry out this call."

The Safotu parish is made up of just 19 church families (mata fale). 

Reverend Elder Tanielu also expressed his appreciation on behalf of his wife and congregation to all those who contributed, donated and helped out with the project. 

There was a great need to have a new hall to host church gatherings at Safotu, as the building they had been using since 1999 was old. 

The opening of the new hall was a dream come true for the parish and smiles were seen on their faces on Friday as they celebrated a big milestone. 

Reverend Elder Tanielu Apineru and Seataata Tanielu had been serving the Safotu parish for 34 years now. 

The new hall is fully furnished with new sets of tables and chairs, a restroom, a kitchen, and a storage room.  It is located behind the church building and in front of the pastor's house.