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Story: Samoans

Church in Savai‘i

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Church in Savai‘i

After the arrival of missionaries in 1830, Samoans quickly converted to Christianity, especially Congregationalism. The church and fa‘asamoa (Samoan culture) are closely intertwined, and very large and beautiful churches are a characteristic sight in Samoa.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page

Lupematasila Melani Anae, Samoans – History and migration, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/1561/church-in-savaii (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 4 March 2009, reviewed and revised 7 September 2022 with assistance from Lupematasila Melani Anae.