Ho‘olehua Congregational Church celebrates 100 years
Updated: Aug 27
Submitted by Pastor Janice Ogoshi
“Faithful, Grateful, Aloha Ke Akua”
In 1924, the homesteaders who began to settle in Ho‘olehua from different parts of the Territory felt a need for a place to worship. In 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Pau‘ole opened their home for Sunday School with their family, Mr. and Mrs. Makanani, Miss Bessie Kalua, Mr. Manuel Spencer, and Mr. and Mrs. David Pa. Mr. Frank Keli‘inohopono Archer, a licentiate from Kawaiaha‘o Church, led worship. This was the birth of Ho‘olehua Congregational Church.
The community’s desire for a place to worship and our God-inspired yearning to draw near to Ke Akua has been faithfully fulfilled by Ho‘olehua Congregational Church for 100 years!
On Thursday, August 20, the Founder’s ‘Āina Ahiahi was held to remember and honor the ‘ohana who founded the church. Descendants and longtime members and friends shared stories of the church’s impact on their lives and on the community. We remembered all the Kahu, deacons, Sunday School teachers and members whose faith was passed down to us.
The 100th Anniversary Worship Service was held on Sunday, August 23. Family and friends joined us to show our deep gratitude to Ke Akua. We were thankful for the presence of Conference Minister Kahu David Popham, who shared greetings from our sister churches and reminded us that we are part of a wider covenanted community of faith. We were challenged to move forward in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit to bring the good news of Aloha Ke Akua to a new generation. A bountiful pa‘ina followed worship, during which the storytelling and relationship building continued.
Our 100th Anniversary lived up to its theme, “Faithful, Grateful, Aloha Ke Akua!”
Photos courtesy of David Popham:
Photos courtesy of Ho‘olehua Congregational Church via Facebook:
