More than three hundred descendants of the late Reverend Imo and his wife Fa’atonu Imo are gathering in Samoa this week.
The reunion dubbed as the biggest reunion yet for the Imos saw the young and old from all over the world visit Fasito’o-uta yesterday where their forebears are laid to rest.
The initial reunion was held in 2011 and it was at that gathering where plans for this year’s event were finalised.
Overseas-based members of the family were invited and the majority of them are in Samoa this week.
Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Matautia Rula Levi, said the gathering is an opportunity for members of the family, especially the younger generation, to learn about their roots.
The idea is that no matter where in the world they might end up, they will know exactly where they come from.
Mata’utia’s grandmother, Iota Gafa, is one of the daughters of Rev. Imo and Fa’atonu.
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The late Reverend and his wife served at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Fasitoo-uta from 1903 until 1919. Rev. Imo was the first secretary of the church in 1894 and in 1898 when the Malua Theological College was established; he was one of the first Lecturers.
The couple had ten children.
They are: Rev. Tinetali Imo, Iota Gafa, Rev. Iupati Imo, Oloa Togamau. Ofeira Tuatagaloa, Rev. Iutisone Imo, Foketi Sekio and Kareline, Tile and Ioana.
Rev. Imo hails from Iva, Savai’i while Fa’atonu is from Lalomanu, Satitoa and Lepa.
Mata’utia Rula, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Housing Corporation, is among many descendants of Reverend Imo and Faatonu who hold high-ranking positions in the community.
Many of them occupy leadership roles in the government, churches and the private sector.
But none more noticeable than Educator and the Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese.
The Masiofo, who is the daughter of Reverend Iupati, was among the speakers during an event at the Maluafou College hall yesterday.
She reflected on their journey so far and reminded the younger members of the family about their forebears’ life of service to God, their country and family.
Her Highness Filifilia also encouraged her family members to aim high and trust in God in everything that they do.
Most importantly, she reminded that love is what binds families and that no matter what happens, never forget that they are descants of a man and a woman who dedicated their lives to serve others.
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