Killeen, TEXAS — Construction is back in full swing for the Samoan church on Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen, TX.  Last April, hundreds of colorfully dressed local residents of Samoan ancestry held a groundbreaking ceremony that included a roasted pig and traditional Samoan fiafia. 

The Samoan Congregational Church of Killeen — aka Samoa-i-Texas had hoped their new buildings would be in use by now with an original completion date of November 2021. Due to COVID related supply shortages and construction issues, their completion date was pushed back to this Summer.

“God’s timeline is not our timeline. But he is always on time,”  said Lay Minister Leasina Lefotu, a 28-year member who has seen this church grow from 20 to almost 200 worshipers.

Project Chairman, Teuimaota Sivia Sasa, further added, “The delay allowed our members to be more involved in design and construction. For example, our deacons provided 24 hour on site security for 2 weeks, when the metal building parts arrived until it was erected.  Inflation caused our metal costs to double and delayed delivery by 6 months.  We had $300K worth of steel sitting there and we weren’t taking any chances.”

Members, including retired Army engineers, electricians, and carpenters, helped out whenever possible.

Church member Pelenato Alaimaleata, Ret US ARMY, originally from the village of Alofau, American Samoa, said “I am happy to both serve the Lord and utilize skills from my active duty days.”  [photo: Sivia Sasa]

Samoa-i-Texas began in 1993.  Services were held in Army chapels, while Sunday school, potlucks, and meetings rotated amongst members’ homes and local parks.  In 2001, the church purchased a warehouse situated on a 3-acre property as their new home.  

The construction of this new 11,000 square foot worship space and classrooms are the final phase in a 20 year plan. In 2010, the warehouse was renovated into a modern meeting hall and church -run daycare center, Koinonia Christian Academy.

A rendering of the church building that is now scheduled for completion this summer. “We want to create a safe haven for both military and nonmilitary families who want to worship in the Samoan language and for our evening English services,” said project leader, Deacon Sivia Sasa. [photo: Sivia Sasa]

The church, alternates worship locations every Sunday between Ft Hood and the current meeting hall in Killeen. Increased security on base has made it difficult for non military members to attend.

“We want to create a safe haven for both military and nonmilitary families who want to worship in the Samoan language and for our evening English services. Our congregation has grown to include many worshippers who are non-Samoan and from other Christian denominations” said project leader, Deacon Sivia Sasa.

"After 30 years, we finally have a permanent site to worship without restrictions. Viia le Atua, praise the Lord, we did it." said Tu’u Falefia, chairman of the church board.

To mark the start of the final phase of construction, the church women’s group held a massive fundraiser with singing, dancing, and yet another delicious pig.  Their next celebration will hopefully come this summer, when they have their grand opening.

Dance choreographer Isaako Siaosi, from Vatia, American Samoa with Women’s Group leaders after their very successful fundraising fiafia held earlier this month. [photo: Sivia Sasa]