The Parish Of Christ Church Episcopal
Why we are unique in West Hawaii
In most Christian churches, conformity of belief is required,but this not so in the Episcopal Church. Diversity is accepted here. Whether we are conservative or liberal, traditional or progressive in our religious values, politics or lifestyles, all are welcome here. We are not called to agree, we are called to share the Lord's Supper as one family. We are called to walk a faith journey together in a nurturing, compassionate, inclusive community of seekers.
Our Baptismal Covenant calls us to "strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being." That covenant promise means that we value the authenticity and integrity of every member of our community.
Our History
While many people know that
Christ Church is a very old and
historic church, it is not common
knowledge that we owe our very
existence to Queen Emma and
her husband Kamehameha IV.
In fact the two of them
are so respected by the Episcopal
Church that they have a
"saints day" appointed
in their honor - November 28th!
Christ Church was founded in 1867 by the
Rev. Charles George Williamson, as an outpost
of the Anglican Mission to Hawaii. The nave,
built by Rev. Williamson, was the schoolhouse
for immigrant children, mostly British, and a
house of worship for native Hawaiians.
The present steepled church, begun by Rev. Williamson, is the oldest Episcopal Church in Hawaii, 142 years old and still functional. Queen Emma attended worship services here.
Over the years, Christ Church has also been a social center in Kona, In WWII, the parish hall became a lively, much frequented USO Center for service men stationed nearby. Hospice was formed here by a group to care for terminally ill rector.
