First Christian Missionaries in Samoa: 1830, Williams & Barff

London Missionary Society Arrival

On 10 September 1830, the ship Endeavour landed at Sapapalii, Savai'i, carrying the first Christian missionaries to Samoa:

• Rev. John Williams (1796–1839) – "Apostle of Polynesia," LMS pioneer across Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa.
• Rev. Charles Barff (1799–1866) – LMS missionary, linguist, translator.

Impact

• Welcomed by Malietoa Vainu'upo, paramount chief, who embraced Christianity.
• Rapid conversion: by 1840, most Samoans professed Christianity.
• Williams & Barff developed Samoan orthography, translated Bible, established schools, printing press.
• Williams martyred 1839 on Erromango (Vanuatu); Barff served decades in Samoa.

Legacy

Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS/EFKS) – 95%+ affiliation. Samoa's motto: "Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa" ("Samoa is founded on God"). The 1830 landing is commemorated annually.

Two men, one ship, a transformation that defined a nation.