Keawala'i Congregational Church - Makena, HI - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

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Although this site draws a number of tourists (it is a state historic site), it is home to an active worshiping congregation. The building is constructed from lava with walls three feet thick. The interior is simply furnished with plain wooden pews and a polished wood floor. The adjoining cemetery has many old graves of early church members. Annual events here include an elaborate luaua with award winning musicians.

Here is a bit of early history from the official web site of the church.

"Keawala‘i Congregational Church in Makena was founded in 1832 as the Church of Honua‘ula. First built of pili grass, the church eventually was rebuilt as a stone-wood building. Members living near the beach gathered coral for the making of the puna or cement, and those residing on the “forest side” brought down the lumber.

K. Ke Kamana was the carpenter. At the right corner of the church, a Bible and a hymn book were placed and sealed by the minister Nueku who offered the prayer for the laying of the cornerstone.

In 1856, the Sunday school raised $70 which was sent to the United States to buy a bell for the church. The bell arrived in January 1860 and was lifted to the belfry in February 1862.

The land where the church now stands was purchased in 1864 for $80 - from Mahoe who donated $45 to the church. Donating $5 each to make up the balance of $35 were: Keli‘ia‘a, Kahanuala, Halama, Kealoha, Kapohakimohewa, Kenui, and the pastor, Kahu Manase. The land was surveyed by William Alexander and recorded with the government."

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1855 Age of Church building determined by?: Church website If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: United Church of Christ If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:00 AM Street address of Church: 5300 Makena Road Makena, HI United States 96753 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/23/2015 dc57 visited it 03/23/2015 WMIKE visited it 05/24/2013 mspgenealogy visited it

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