This region is among the first in Côte d'Ivoire, after many unsuccessful attempts, in previous centuries, by Capuchin (1637-1638), Dominican (1687-1701) and Holy Heart of Mary (1844-1852) missionaries. ), or finally at the end of the 19th century, the missionaries of the Society of African Missions (SMA), will succeed in starting in this country, Evangelization itself, in 1896. The mission at MEMNI continues to grow, the number of its Christians and its catechumens does not stop increasing and its church has become too small. Father MERAUD therefore undertakes to erect a more beautiful and larger church. Work began in the first months of 1904. The work continued step by step until 1918, in front of the oldest church in the Ivory Coast. saintjosephemni.com/histoire.php?men=2&s=1