SEAMEN’S CHAPEL, APIA.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 9, 1 March 1849, Page 3

SEAMEN’S CHAPEL, APIA.

During the last few years, a considerable number of ships having anchored at Apia Harbour, and numbers of foreign residents having settled around the bay, it was thought desirable, that a small place of worship • should be erected for the purpose of holding English service on the Sabbath. Subscriptions were made by the Missionaries and foreign residents, wiiich, with sums given by captainsand crews, amounted to nearly £6O. The “John Williams” being about to return to England, the Committee requested Mr. Mills, the Missionary at Apia, and Capt. Morgan to use every effort to procure an iron chapel, to be brought out in the missionary vessel. On the arrival of the “ John Williams ” in London, an appeal was laid before the Directors of the London Missionar y Society as well as the British and Foreign Seamen’s Society. We now take the opportunity of expressing the sense of gratitude which we feel for the efforts made by the Rev. J. J. Freeman and Augustus Fieldwick, Esq., the respective Secretaries of the above Societies, as well as to many kind friends, who aided us in procuring the neat substantial building, which now forms an interesting object on one side of the bay, near to the British Consulate. The building is built entirely of corrogated galvanized iron, raised on a platform of coral; and is well adapted to try the teeth and patience of the white ant, which is the greatest pest that can afflict a poor builder in Samoa. The building is 40 ft. by 20 ft. Ten feet is taken off the length for a reading-room, where a library will be kept, with the most recent magazines and newspapers which can be procured, where the sailor on liberty or any of the residents can spend a profitable hour. The chapel, which is 30 ft. by 20 ft., is neatly fitted up with seats and pulpit. The cost of the building in London was upwards of £l7O. The fittings, glazing, painting, and other items, have added considerably to the expense, to meet which the additional subscriptions received on the islands will go far. It is just to acknowledge the gratuitous labours of a great many of the foreign residents in putting the building together. The chapel was opened on Sabbath, the 28th of January. A large number of the foreign residents attended; and the occasion was rendered more interesting by the presence of the captain, officers, and crew of our missionary barque “ John Williams.” Contributions for the support of the library and reading room will be thankfully received.