Kaahumanu Church facts for kids
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Kaʻahumanu Church
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Shown from north-eastern elevation, March 2010
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 Location in Maui
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 103 South High Street Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii |
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| Area | 1.96 acres (7,900 m2) |
| Built | 1875 (fourth and current structure) |
| Architectural style | New England Simple Style Gothic Architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000622 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1975 |
Kaʻahumanu Church is a special church located in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. What makes it unique is that its songs (hymns) and prayers are still spoken in the Hawaiian language. This is important because it helps keep the Hawaiian language alive, especially since it was once not allowed to be spoken in public.
Contents
The Church's Beginning
In 1832, Queen Ka'ahumanu visited Maui. She was one of the first Hawaiian leaders to become a Christian. She came to the place where the new Kaʻahumanu Church was being built. She saw services led by Jonathan Smith Green. After seeing this, Queen Kaʻahumanu asked the church leaders to name the new building after her.
Early Church Buildings
The very first building used by Minister Jonathan Smith Green was a simple shed. It was built on land given by the Kahale family. This land was granted under King Kamehameha III.
Growing Congregation Needs
By 1834, many people wanted to attend church. At one point, about 3,000 worshipers were noted. Because of this, a second building was constructed. It was a thatched structure, made from woven plant materials. Even with so many people attending, the number of permanent church members was small. A report from 1834-1835 showed only eleven members.
The "Great Revival" and Third Building
Between 1837 and 1840, there was a "Great Revival." This meant many more people joined the church. The membership grew to 487 people. In just one year (1838-1839), 200 new members joined. With so many new members, a third church building was needed. Richard Armstrong oversaw its construction after Jonathan Green left in 1836.
This third church was built in 1840. It was a large stone building, about 100 feet long and 52 feet wide. It had one main floor and a gallery (a balcony for more seating). When Green returned in 1841, he noticed problems with the roof. He called it a "failure," but the roof was fixed for about $648.
New Leadership and Fundraising
In 1857, William Patterson Alexander became the new pastor. The previous pastor, Daniel Conde, was not popular. Alexander believed a new church building was necessary. He started suggesting a new building as early as 1866. In 1872, William Pulepule Kahale began raising money. He was the first Native Hawaiian pastor at the church. His efforts helped make the new building possible.
The Current Church Building
The church building you see today is the fourth one on this site. It was built in 1875. It was constructed to honor Queen Kaʻahumanu's wish from many years before. Edward Bailey, who managed the Wailuku Sugar Company, helped make this happen. The church is built in a style called New England simple Gothic architecture.
Church Bell and Clock
The church's bell and its three clock faces came from the Seth-Thomas clock works. They were brought to Maui in 1884. They traveled a long way around Cape Horn by ship. The Bailey family donated the clock and bell, which cost $1,000. Beautiful chandeliers were added inside the church in 1892. In 1964, officials in Maui County named the clock at Kaʻahumanu Church the "Town Clock."
Church Grounds and History
Behind the main church building, there is an old stone structure. It has one opening and was once used as a bell tower. This was before the current bell tower was built. Parts of the old third church building can still be seen. There is a rock wall in front of the church along High Street.
Graves and Important People
Several graves are located on the church grounds. One important person buried here is Honoliʻi. He was one of the first Native Hawaiians to study in New England. He returned to Hawaii on the sailing ship Thaddeus. An extra building sits between the church and the Territorial Building. This area is part of the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District.
Historic Recognition
Kaʻahumanu Church is recognized as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1975. Later, it was also placed on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on May 18, 1981.
Images for kids
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Church cemetery
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One of the graves in the graveyard
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Auxiliary building behind Ka'ahumanu Church
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Stone structure behind Ka'ahumanu Church
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Ka'ahumanu Church grounds
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Honoli'i Park and surrounding grounds
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Exterior of Kaahumanu Church, c. 1990. Photograph by Alan Gowans. Department of Image Collections, National Gallery of Art Library.
