Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings | Page 119

November 29, 2016 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Timeline Tuesday … 1820s

Today’s ‘Timeline Tuesday’ takes us through the 1820s – arrival of the missionaries (Protestant & Catholic,) death of Keōpūolani, Liholiho and Kamāmalu. We look at what was happening in Hawai‘i during this time period and what else was happening around the rest of the world.

A Comparative Timeline illustrates the events with images and short phrases. This helps us to get a better context on what was happening in Hawai‘i versus the rest of the world. I prepared these a few years ago for a planning project. (Ultimately, they never got used for the project, but I thought they might be on interest to others.)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

November 25, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Tahitian Influence on Christianity in Hawai‘i

By the time European explorers entered the Pacific in the 15th century, almost all of the habitable islands had been settled for hundreds of years and oral traditions told of explorations, migrations and travels across this immense watery world.

Double-hulled canoes were seaworthy enough to make voyages of over 2,000-miles along the longest sea roads of Polynesia, like the one between Hawai‘i and Tahiti. (Kawaharada)

The first known Christian missionaries in Polynesia came from the London Missionary Society, an ecumenical Protestant organization; they landed in Tahiti, the Marquesas, then Tongatapu in Tonga. (PCC)

Toketa, a Tahitian, arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1818; he probably landed on the island of Hawaiʻi. He was a member of the household of the chief (Governor) John Adams Kuakini, at that time a prominent figure in the court of Kamehameha I in Kailua, Kona.

A convert to Christianity (he likely received missionary instruction in his homeland – first Europeans arrived in Tahiti in 1767; in 1797 the London Missionary Society sent 29 missionaries to Tahiti,) he became a teacher to Hawaiian chiefs, made a visit to Honolulu with Kuakini in January-February of 1822. (Barrere)

On February 4, 1822, “Adams (Kuakini) sent a young Tahitian to us (Toketa,) to obtain for him that part of the spelling book which is printed, with a view to commence learning to read his own language. … This young Tahitian is one of the three, whom we have found here from the Society Isles, able to read and write their native language.”

“He, with one hour’s instruction, is able to read the Hawaiian (Owhyhean) also, and to assist the chief to whom he is attached.” (Missionary Herald, 1823) Toketa then began to teach Kuakini to read and write.

Shortly after (February 8, 1822,) “Adams (Kuakini) sent a letter to Mr B (Bingham) written by the hand of Toleta the Tahitian, which Mr. B answered in the Hawaiian language. – ‘This may be considered as the commencement of epistolary correspondence in this language.’” (Missionary Herald, 1823)

William Ellis was with the London Missionary Society in Tahiti. Born in England, William and Mary Mercy Ellis went to Tahiti in 1817 as part of a new group of highly educated workers. They brought with them the first press and set it up in Moorea. They soon moved to Huahine, where William Ellis helped draft the code of laws. (Boston University)

Then the London Mission sent Ellis and some others to Hawai‘i. “(T)he colonial government-cutter Mermaid arrived in Fare harbour, on her way to the Sandwich Islands, with a small schooner, the Prince Regent, as a present from the British government to the king of those islands.”

“The captain intimated his intention of touching at the Marquesas on his return from Hawaii, and politely offered a passage to any of us who might be desirous of visiting these islands.”

“We had long been anxious to attempt the establishment of Christianity among the inhabitants of the former, and as the present appeared a favourable opportunity, we communicated the same to the deputation, and it appeared to them desirable to visit these places.” (Ellis)

“The arrangements for the voyage being completed, we assembled at the chapel about ten o’clock on the forenoon of the 25th of February: the native Christians were animated by kind and appropriate addresses from the church, and were affectionately encouraged by Mr. Barff and Mr. Orsmond, the latter being on a visit with us.”

“The native Missionaries then took leave of their fellow-Christians in a most solemn and impressive manner; and, as it had been arranged by Mr. Barff and myself that I should accompany them, to aid in the commencement of their labours, I addressed the people, and, recommending Mrs. Ellis and our dear children to their kind attentions under God, I also bade them farewell.”

“The meeting was peculiarly impressive and affecting; and, after mutually committing each other, under deep intensity of feeling, to the guidance and the keeping of the God of all our mercies, the whole congregation walked from the chapel to the sea-shore, where we exchanged our last salutations.”

“The deputation, the two native Missionaries and their wives, five other natives and myself, now embarked, and the Mermaid stood out to sea.” (Ellis)

“The time for her (Mrs Ellis) departure at length came, and on the 31st of December, 1822, accompanied by her four children, she embarked, with her husband, on board the Active, for the Sandwich Islands.”

“The voyage to the Sandwich Islands, about three thousand miles distant, was safe, and not unpleasant, and by the tender mercy of their heavenly Father, they reached Oahu on the 5th of February, 1823.”

“Here Mrs. Ellis received on landing, a cordial welcome from many of the chief women of the settlement, and from the esteemed American Missionaries, of whose plain but hospitable and comfortable dwelling, she became for several weeks an inmate, and received every attention and kindness as a beloved sister in the Lord.”

“All the affection professed in the invitations they had so kindly forwarded, was practically manifested; and every hope of tenderness and sympathy which they excited, was fully realized. Mrs. Ellis found that the prospects of greater usefulness …”

“In Huahine the influence of the Missionaries could bear on a comparatively small number, but here the town of Honolulu contained not fewer than 8,000, while the population of the island amounted to 20,000, and the influence of the Missionaries was brought to bear indirectly upon 150,000 or 180,000 persons.” (Mary Mercy Ellis Memoirs)

Ellis and the others who joined him from the London Missionary Society (including Tahitians who came with them) worked well with the American Protestant missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in 1820.

The American Mission immediately saw benefit in working with Ellis and the Tahitians … “of bringing the influence of the Tahitian mission to bear with more direct and operative force upon this nation …”

“… trembling under the too great responsibility of the spiritual concerns of the whole nation, & looking with hesitating awe at the great and difficult work of translating the bible & continually casting about for help …”

“… we feel the need of just such talents and services as Brother (Ellis) is able to bring to the work, whose general views of Christian faith practice, & of missionary duty, which accord so well with ours, whose thorough acquaintance with the Tahitian tongue so nearly allied to this …”

“… & which it cost the mission almost a 20 years’ labor fully to acquire, & whose missionary experience, among the South Sea Islands’ kindred tribes, enable him to cooperate with us, with mutual satisfaction, and greatly to facilitate our acquisition of this kindred language …”

“… & the early translation of the sacred scriptures, & thus promote the usefulness, rather than supersede the labors, of all who may come to our aid from America.” (Journal of the Sandwich Island Mission, May 9, 1822)

“The earliest, and model for the rest, was the Tahitian missionary Auna who came to Hawaii with a visiting English delegation of missionaries in 1822.”

“At the urgent request of the Hawaiian chiefs Auna was permitted to remain, and for well over a year Auna and his wife lived in the household of Ka’ahumanu, teaching reading and writing and explaining Christian doctrine to the king and chiefs.”

“Auna left a school of sixty pupils when the couple returned to Tahiti in 1824. His school was taken over by Kaomi, the son of his wife’s brother Moe, a Tahitian long in the service of Ka’ahumanu’s brother Ke’eaumoku the governor of Maui.” (Barrere & Sahlins)

Ellis remained in the Islands for eighteen months, but returned to England, due to illness of Mary (she died in 1835.) Ellis later remarried and continued mission work in the Madagascar. Ellis died in 1872.)

Because of the positive role of the London Missionary Society in assisting the Hawaiian mission, any descendant of a person sent by the London Missionary Society who served the Sandwich Island Mission in Hawaii is eligible to be an Enrolled Member in the Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society.

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

A_Missionary_Preaching_to_the_Natives,_under_a_Skreen_of_platted_Cocoa-nut_leaves_at_Kairua_by_William_Ellis-1823

November 23, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Okumura Home

“In August, 1894, Rev T Okumura, accepting the call of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association, came to Honolulu to succeed Rev J Okabe in the pastorate of the Nuuanu church, which had only 91 members at that time.” (Star Bulletin, April 7, 1914)

At age 29, Reverend Takie Okumura of Japan was initially appointed to serve as minister of the Japanese Christian Church, the predecessor to today’s Nuʻuanu Congregational Church.

Okumura left there and began his work in the section of Honolulu centering about Makiki district in November, 1902. The work commenced in a little shed on Kīnaʻu Street near a Japanese camp and without a single church member. (The Friend, November 1930)

“In April, 1896, he established the Nuuanu Japanese School for Children with a view to the correct reading and use of the Japanese language.” (Star Bulletin, April 7, 1914)

“Being the founder of the first Japanese language school and a strong believer in the instruction of the Japanese language, I did not wish to see the splendid work which had been done so far spoiled.”

“So, in writings and speeches, I pointed out the folly of spreading Japanese nationalistic education under the cloak of loyalty and patriotism, and called upon the people in charge of language schools to alter their policies.” (Okumura)

“In September, 1896 he opened his home for the Christian home training of children. This boarding school has been able, up to the present, to receive 400 boys.” (Star Bulletin, April 7, 1914)

“In August 1896, the wife of one of my friends was returning to Japan for an extended visit, and I was asked to look after their boy in my home. I decided to do this simply to help my friend. But this was really the beginning of my Home.”

“The boy who was only nine years old when he first came to me, stayed with me for sixteen years … The second boy in the Home was George, son of Rinnojo Uyemura, a notable and powerful man in the Japanese community.” (Okumura)

“In 1899, $7,000 was raised by contributions and we purchased a lot and house on Kukui Street, the present site of a concrete building which was used until recently as the Philippine Consulate. In October, the Home moved to this larger house, which a spacious ground for the children to play in.”

“In December 1901, $2,000 was donated to the Home. With this sum, we built a two-story building for 60 boys and girls. Then, Mother Castle gave us 60 iron folding beds. For years the beds were known among the children as ‘Castle Beds.’”

“From early years, the Home promoted good citizenship, discipline and healthy exercise by encouraging military drills with wooden guns under the leadership of an Army sergeant from Camp McKinley which was then in Kapiolani Park, and later under an experienced instructor, Rev. K. Komuro.”

“The Home is run on strict Christian principles. Each day is opened and closed with prayers, and every possible effort is made to build up strong characters, not by mere words but by actual living. After vesper services, simple language lessons are given. On Sundays, every one of our boys and girls attend church services and Sabbath School.”

In October 1902, when the Nuuanu Church served its connection financially from the Hawaiian Board of Missions, the Home was given permission to use the old theological seminary building on Punchbowl Street, near Beretania Street.”

“But in 1906, the Hawaiian Board sold the Punchbowl Street property and we were forced to move … (and again in 1907.)”

“Immediately, I agreed with (Frank Damon’s) proposal of building a strong Christian school, and gladly offered my help. Keeping only about 18 boys all below the age of twelve, I sent 40 of the older boys to join 60 Chinese boys to form the nucleus of the ‘Mid-Pacific Institute.’”

“The incorporating of Kawaiahao Seminary, Mills Institute (founded in 1892), the Japanese Boarding School (opened in 1896), and the Methodist Korean Boarding School, was approved by the Hawaiian Board of Missions in 1905, thus supplying a boarding school for all races for both boys and girls.”

“This year there is an enrollment of one hundred and thirty-four, representing the following nationalities: Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, Porto Rican, Filipinos, South Sea, American, German, Hawaiian-Spanish, Hawaiian-Scotch, Hawaiian-Norwegian, Hawaiian-Japanese-Indian, Hawaiian-Mexican.” (Hawai‘i DOE, 1913)

The Home was called by a variety of names, including Okumura Home, Okumura School Japanese Boarding School Japanese Christian School. In 1988, the home would be closed by Suyeki Okumura, a prominent Honolulu attorney and Reverend Okumura’s last living son. (Castle)

In early-1910, the Makiki Japanese Church (later known as the Makiki Christian Church) introduced the custom of one English sermon per month. The Church acquired property near McKinley High School (at the corner of Pensacola and Elm.)

Then, in the 1930, a new, enlarged church was contemplated and then constructed. The “Makiki Castle” was the inspiration of the Reverend Okumura. Okumura asked Hego Fuchino to design the church. It was modeled after a Japanese Castle.

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

Okumura Home PP-46-5-018-00001

November 20, 2016 by Peter T Young 3 Comments

Was Christianity Forced or Sought?

To help answer the question posed in the title, we look at portions of letters written during the first decade of the arrival of the missionaries by various chiefs/chiefesses that were in power at that time. The Ali‘i banned the kapu in 1819; shortly thereafter the missionaries arrived (1820.)

“March 30th, 1820. – Memorable day – a day which brings us in full view of that dark pagan land so long the object of our most interested thoughts.… ‘land appears.’”

“When the watch at four was called, Honoree (Honoli‘i) came down saying, ‘Owhyhee sight!’ … A fair wind carried us by different parts of the island near enough to discern its verdure …. “

“Capt. B(lanchard) – thought it advisable to send ashore to inquire into the state of things, and where he might find the king. … Our hearts beat high, and each countenance spoke the deep interest felt as we crowded around our messengers at their return.”

“Tamaahmaah is dead! The government is settled in the hands of his son Keehoreeho-Krimokoo (Liholiho) is principal chief – the taboo system is no more – men and women eat together! the idol gods are burned!!” (Sybil Bingham Journal, March 30, 1820 – the day the Pioneer Company of missionaries arrived at Hawaiʻi.)

“April 4th. This morning, ten o’clock, having been 163 days on the bosom of the great deep, we anchored in the bay of Korooah (Kailua-Kona,) near the residence of Keehoreeho (Liholiho) the king.”

“My dear husband, with brother Thurston and Thomas, has gone on shore as heralds of the Prince of Peace and King of Kings, to have an interview, and transact business for their Master … How important the moment! …” (Sybil Bingham Journal, April 4, 1820 – the day the Pioneer Company of missionaries first landed at Kailua-Kona.)

Later, in a March 18, 1823 letter to the mission’s mainland headquarters, Liholiho acknowledged that his timing of breaking the centuries-old kapu just before the missionaries’ arrival was fortunate; he notes, “We had wooden deities before, during my father’s time.”

“In my time (1819,) I have abandoned wooden deities. It turns out my abandoning of them beforehand was appropriate, for Mr Bingham, Mr Thurston and all the teachers were arriving.”

In that same letter, Liholiho states, “We really desire the good teachings of Jesus Christ. What he has taught all of us is excellent indeed and we have finally become learned. We were shown compassion by Jehovah, who sent Mr. Bingham and Mr. Thurston and all the teachers. And they dwelled with us here and our lands have become enlightened.”

“It is through our father that I may greet all of you. Jesus Christ was good in speaking to you, saying to you all, ‘Go and teach throughout the islands, and preach the good word of salvation.’” (Liholiho to ABCFM, March 18, 1823; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

Shortly after (November 8, 1823,) Kealiʻiahonui, an adopted son of Kaumualiʻi, the last king of Kauai, sent a letter to Jeremiah Evarts, an early leader of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions (ABCFM.)

“Here is my word to you. I appreciate you for your generosity towards us in sending teachers of the word of Jesus Christ, being what will enlighten us here. They are very good at educating us in the virtuous ways that allow us to reach heaven, the finest place.”

“Not all people here on Oahu are learning the good word of salvation. Eventually the right time may come when all people of these unenlightened lands will learn the word of Jesus Christ.” (Kealiʻiahonui to Evarts, November 8, 1823; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

A few years later, when Kamehameha III began his rule, Kalanimōku wrote a letter to Evarts. Kalanimōku states, “Love to you for sending over the missionaries and the word of God to us so that we know the good word of God. We observe the good word of God and we want the good word of God, Jehovah, our great lord in heaven. It is he who fashioned us well.”

“We all want the word of God and all the chiefs desire the good word of God. We have seen the righteous word at this time. We are repenting for our past faults. … That previous, ancient heart is ended, along with that former king of ours. … We regard the good word of our great God.” (Kalanimōku to Evarts, April 10, 1826; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

Kalanimōku was a trusted advisor of Kamehameha I. During the travels of Liholiho and Kamāmalu to Great Britain, he co-ruled with Kaʻahumanu, maintaining a leadership role during the first reigning years of the new king, Liholiho’s younger brother, Kauikeaouli.

Nāmāhāna Piʻia, a high ranking chiefess, was a wife of Kamehameha I and daughter of Keʻeaumoku; she was also Kaʻahumanu’s sister. Nāmāhāna was an early convert to Christianity and wife of Gideon Laʻanui, another early supporter of the missionizing effort.

Her March 12, 1828 to Evarts states, “I am informing you that the holy word of Christ, his laws and all his good practices are being taught. We have obtained some small portions, but have gained no more. The desire of my heart moves day and night to ask him that my spirit attain eternal life in heaven.”

“My wishes, my affection, my heart, and my intention, I have bundled them securely and submitted them to him; his words and his laws are what I follow in my heart …”

“… that my house be populated with his powerful spirit, his eternal love, his true goodness and his patience that all of us from where the sun rises to where it sets be saved by him.” (Nāmāhāna to Evarts, March 12, 1828; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

John Papa ʻĪʻī began his service in the royal court when he served as an attendant to Liholiho, Kamehameha II. ʻĪʻī later became a trusted advisor and chief in the court of Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) and continued to serve the sovereigns of Hawaiʻi until his death in 1870.

On April 14, 1828, ‘Ī‘ī wrote to Bingham, wherein he states, “Here is (a) message to the two of you, Ka‘awaloa is good, there is decorum, wisdom, strength, and proper care, but it is only the two chiefs, their retainers and some other people. On the Sabbath, however, many people are there on that day.”

“I give my salutations to you two there, and to Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Goodrich and the printers. Beloved is our work. I proceed, thoughtful of our efforts. Do extend my regards to the visitors.”

“God has protected them with grace and God has watched over all of you along with us here in this land of darkness. Deep regards for you folks who see all those who come there. We all love Jesus Christ, our Lord of salvation.” (‘Ī‘ī to Bingham, April 14, 1828; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

Hewahewa was a kahuna (priest) of Kamehameha I who participated in the overturning of the kapu system under Liholiho, Kamehameha II. On July 27 1830, he wrote a letter to Levi Chamberlain, the superintendent of secular affairs for the mission and a missionary teacher. At the time of this letter, Hewahewa had converted to Christianity and was living in Lahaina, Maui.

“Greetings to you, Mr. Chamberlain, and Mrs. Chamberlain, This is my short message to you. I again testify to you about the grace God bestows upon me as I go on.”

“I walk in fear and awe of God for the wrongs of my heart, for he is the one who knows me. The love of the son of God is true indeed. It is of my own volition that I tell this to you. Regards to all the church members there.” (Hewahewa to Chamberlain, July 27, 1830; Ali‘i Letters Collection, Mission Houses)

Here’s a link to these and other letters from Ali‘i, written in their hand. With the Hawaiian letters are transcription and translation – this are part of the Ali‘i Letters Collection at Mission Houses:
http://hmha.missionhouses.org/collections/show/178

Related to that, here is an audio of Puakea Nogelmeier’s presentation at Mission Houses related to the translation project he worked on associated with letters from the ali‘i to missionaries. In it he noted many believe the missionaries “just kind of came in and took over. They got off the boat and said ‘stop dancing,’ ‘put on clothes,’ don’t sleep around.’” … “And it’s so not the case ….”

The preview image shows the closing of the letter from Liholiho to the ABCFM on March 23, 1823. It says, “Deep regards to all of you. May we have salvation through Jehovah and Jesus Christ our Lord. Tamehameha King of Hawaiʻi”

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

Liholiho to ABCFM, March 18, 1823-1

Liholiho to ABCFM, March 18, 1823-2

Kalanimoku to Jeremiah Evarts (ABCFM)-March 16, 1825-1

Kalanimoku to Jeremiah Evarts (ABCFM)-March 16, 1825-2

Kalanimoku to Jeremiah Evarts (ABCFM)-March 16, 1825-3

Namahana to Jeremiah Evarts (ABCFM)-March 12, 1828-1

Namahana to Jeremiah Evarts (ABCFM)-March 12, 1828-2

John Ii to Hiram Bingham, April 16, 1828

Kealiiahonui to Jeremiah Evarts, November 8, 1823

Hewahewa to Levi CHamberlain, July 27, 1830

November 15, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Timeline Tuesday … 1800s

Today’s ‘Timeline Tuesday’ takes us through the 1800s – horses arrive, sandalwood economy and Henry ‘Ōpūkaha’ia sails to New England. We look at what was happening in Hawai‘i during this time period and what else was happening around the rest of the world.

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger