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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 78

Mission Work

Mission Work.

Churches abound all over American and German Samoa, and these contain seating capacity for four times the population of the place. This singular state is explainable in the assurance of those who know that each village tried to outdo its neigh-hours, and so erect a larger and more imposing edifice. Often in the same native town will he found two or more churches of the same denomination, and almost side by side, each with accommodation for four or five times as many souls as they ever get into it.

Religiously considered, one-fifth of the natives of Samoa are Catholics, another fifth Wesleyans, and the balance Congre-gationalists, under the direction of the London Missionary Society. A few are Mormons, but this cult has not so far increased in numbers to any extent, and probably there are under 300 adherents of that Church. However, this much may be said for these people, they are the only sect which has systematically taught the people to carefully cultivate their lauds, and to endeavour to better their personal condition by sustained labour. Just now they appear to be rather prosperous. Whether this condition will expand and endure is yet to he seen.