What is Siona Le Mauga Paia?
This is the oldest church on American Samoa!
What Makes It Historical?
On November 17, 1816, the London Missionary Society sent John and Mary Williams on a mission to the South Pacific with the goal of converting residents of the Polynesian islands to the Protestant Christian faith. After establishing bases on Raiatea in Tahiti and Arutanga in the Cook Islands, the Williamses set their sights on Samoa in 1830. First, they landed on Savaii in western Samoa, then over the next four years explored the other islands, landing at Leone on October 18, 1832 and establishing the first chuch there (Lotu Ta’iti) with the blessing of a local named Amoamo!
Though he was cannibalized in the New Hebrides in 1839, Mr. Williams’ legacy lived on in Leone, with the construction of a grander church on the site of his original. The Siona le Mauga Pa’ia, or Holy Mountain of Zion Church, was built by the London Missionary Society in 1900. It boasts three towers, stained glass, and a monument to John Williams outside. It’s still an active church today, part of the Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano i Amerika Samoa (EFKAS)!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Donate to the Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano i Amerika Samoa (EFKAS)!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
SE of Route 003 and Route 001
Leone, American Samoa 96799
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Visit on a Sunday morning for a service! You can learn about historic tours there!