King Solomon wrote in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..,” allowing us to witness and partake of an “activity” or activities in the broad spectrum of time. In this context, this digital exhibit displays not only a “brick and mortar” virtual history but also a telling one of Kawaiahaʻo Church and its place in the history of Hawaii since its establishment on April 23, 1820.
At the direction of Governor Boki, the grounds of Kawaiaha’o hosted the building of 4 subsequently built grass (pili) huts for worship and housing for the early missionaries. Kamehameha (Kauikeauoli) III’s vision to build a permanent house of worship became a reality in 1842 under the leadership of Governor Kekuanoa after six years of tedious, around-the-clock work performed by designated overseers and their work crews from Waikiki to Moanalua. The structure was dedicated on July 21, 1842, with Kauikeauoli in attendance who presented the Deed of Dedication of the building as a house of worship and of the land for the use of the church and its congregation.
Credits
Kawaiaha'o Church Archives