The new Vaimoso Methodist Church was officially opened on Friday morning with the congregation members and dignitaries celebrating with a special service.

The new church’s opening was attended by the President of the Methodist Church Rev. Faulalo Leti, the Church Secretary Rev. Eteuati Tuioti, Treasurer Rev. Elvis Soliola as well as the former Head of State, High Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi together with a number of Cabinet Ministers and invited guests. 

The construction of the new church began 6 June last year and took a year to be completed last Wednesday, according to Manuleleua Leatuavao Ioane, the spokesperson and secretary of the Vaimoso Methodist Church.

Manuleleua said the total cost of the new church was WST$1,519,208.07 with this cost also covering labour hire.

“The cost of the new temple is WST$1,519,208.07 that’s the whole amount spent on the construction of the [new] church building,” he said. “This sum includes the cost of labour to the amount of WST$270,000.00.” 

The Vaimoso Methodist Church secretary said the lead carpenter of the building project was Lauano Puivai while also revealing the challenges that the construction team faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the pandemic had an immediate effect on the building project as well as the overall costs. 

“As our first construction work was stopped and was then also affected by the restrictions brought by the COVID-19, we paid WST$60,000.00 for labour and the contractors so the overall costs spent on labour and contractors is around WST$330,000.00.”

The building project, according to Manuleleua, was tendered and the successful bid was the cheapest of all the tenders. 

Asked about the “ta’alolo” that the church held on Thursday, the secretary said there were around 25 "ta'alolo" that were presented which saw them received around WST$224,700.00. Maluleleua added that for their “po siva” they received WST$106,535.40 and for the “invitations” on Friday morning they received WST$150,500.00.

Speaking on behalf of the church, Manuleleua acknowledged the invaluable support of the Council of the Methodist Church, the Betham Brothers, the Ulia Construction as well as Vaimoso Methodist Church families and relatives who reside in Sydney, Australia.

He also acknowledged the support of those who paid for their corporate table fundraisers as well as village members and the public.

The Vaimoso Methodist is led by Rev. Auro Teve and Faletua Fili and has a total of 29 “matāfale”.