TUTUILA.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 1, 1 March 1845, Page 3

TUTUILA.

Tutuila is 33 miles in length, and varies from 2 to 7 miles in breadth, and is about 40 miles east of Upolu, and 50 west of the Small group, Manua. It has a population rising 4000. It is divided into seven districts governed by the same number of chiefs. There are however two leading places on the island, which possess a degree of political ascendancy. These are Pagopago and Leone. At the former of these places is an excellent harbor to which a few vessels resort for refreshments Missionary operations were commenced on this island

in July 1836, when the first missionary band arrived. On the 11th July, the brethren Murray and Barnden took up their permanent residence upon it, and forthwith commenced missionary operations. By the small numbers who had abandoned heathenism, partly through the advice of certain sailors who settled there, and partly from what they heard from Upolu and Savaii, they were cordially welcomed, and these at once put themselves under their instruction. Though the brethren began their work under encourageing circumstances, on the whole, yet they had much to try their faith and patience. The great body of the people were still heathen, a considerable number of runaway seamen, of the most abandoned characters, were living on the island, and the few who had professedly embraced Christianity were heathens in almost every thing but the name, so that the moral state of the island was of the most revolting character. With the exception of war, almost all the old heathen practices were continued. The brethren judged it most advisable to reside together for the first few months, at Pagopago. But about the close of the year brother Barnden removed to Leone as his permanent station.

The work of Education was commenced almost immediately on our arrival, and in the beginning of 1837 the preaching of the gospel in the native language was attempted. Many and great were the difficulties with which the brethren had to struggle during the early years of their labors, from the barbarous and degraded state of the people, from their own necessary ignorance of the language and of native character and habits, and from the grossly wicked conduct of foreigners on the island, and of the crews of Whalers. The poor benighted people were but too ready to listen to their misrepresentations, and to yield to their solicitations. When the brethren had so far mastered the language however, as to be able to bring the gospel to bear upon the people, the tide began to turn; and a happy change for the better was soon evident. The people perceived the difference between the characters and conduct of the brethren, and those of other foreigners ; and thence inferred the benevolence of their designs, and the excellence of the religion they had come to teach, while the latter gradually gained greater hold on their confidence and affections. God graciously smiled on their efforts, and not many months past from their beginning to preach, till their hearts were gladdened by seeing decided fruits of their labors. One man was brought under deep concern for the salvation of his soul, and became to all appearance a decided Christian. A few months more passed and a second convert appeared, and when the brethren had been two years at work, they had three persons whom they regarded as savingly converted to God. In July 1838 these three were baptized, and with the members of the mission family at Pagopago united in celebrating the Saviour’s dying love. From this time the good work continued steadily to progress. The infant church increased in numbers, and its members were not a little helpful in carrying forward the good work that was now steadily and powerfully extending itself throughout a wide circle. Thus things continued till towards the close of 1839 at which time there were between 30 and 40 church members on the island. It was in November of this year that the Lord began to pour out his spirit on the island in the revival form, and to carry on his work with a fervor and an efficacy before which obstacles melted away, and hundreds were led to submit to the yoke of Christ. An account of the rise, progress, and results of this happy movement must be deferred till a future period. Feb. 1845. A. W. MURRAY.