In November 2024, Christ Church Episcopal in Kealakekua celebrated the completion of a significant restoration project to preserve its historic structure. The Church was constructed in 1867 and is one of only a few nineteenth-century frame churches on the island of Hawai‘i and is the oldest wooden Episcopal Church in the State. It is listed in the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places.
The building is a single-story, frame structure with a concrete outer foundation measuring 25’ x 50’ and raised on wood posts set on stone. The restoration project began in 2018 to provide structural support, resurfacing exterior walls and repairs to the roof and bell tower.
Architect Jaime Bush, AIA played a crucial role in documenting the historic structure and securing permits for the restoration. Mark Hummel Construction was contracted to execute the work. Initial efforts focused on restoring the Sacristy, South Wall, and North Wall. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a suspension of work in 2020-2021.
In 2022, with support from the grant from the Freeman Foundation in cooperation with Historic Hawaii Foundation, restoration efforts resumed. The remaining tasks included restoring the Mauka Wall, Makai Wall, Tower, and Steeple. Structural repairs and replacements of rotted wood ensured the stability and safety of the tower, while volunteers assisted in cleaning and painting the interior walls.
The restoration of the steeple was made easier when a former Junior Warden came back to visit and admired the restoration done to date, assured the church leadership that previous reinforcements had secured its structure. A report was confirmed and only a few problematic wood supports had to be replaced.
Throughout the restoration, the church community adapted by holding services in the Queen Emma Community Center. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the congregation’s dedication was unwavering.
This dedication for restoration attracted the attention of a mainland visitor, a priest from California, who gifted a new organ to the church.
The successful restoration fostered a sense of community dedication and drew additional donations for other church projects and improvements.
The restoration of Christ Church Episcopal has not only preserved a historic landmark but also strengthened the sense of community and dedication among its members. The project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving our architectural heritage for future generations.
This article appears in the Historic Hawaii Foundation March 2025 newsletter.