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April 14, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Arriving at O‘ahu

With the decision to allow some of the missionaries to stay at Kailua-Kona on April 11, 1820 – the 12th was “A busy, trying, joyful and important day. … As the Brig lay about a mile from the shore, the boats were employed all day in transporting their goods &c to the beach, and several of the King’s men with one of the brethren removed them from the beach to the house.” (Thaddeus Journal)

While the Thaddeus had arrived at Kawaihae on March 30 and into Kailua-Kona on April 4, and several on board had gone ashore at sometime – we learn some of the missionaries had not yet set foot on land until April 12.

Mercy Whitney noted in her journal on April 12, 1820, “This morning for the first time, I set foot on heathen ground. After a voyage of five months & a half, you need not wonder if I tell you I found it difficult to walk much on land, without being fatigued.”

“I went to the house (or rather hut) where our brethren are to reside. It is about 20 feet square. It has but one room, and in it are two windows and the door. In one corner of the room was a bedstead, two sides were fastened to the wall, the other two were supported by the stump of the cocoanut tree. Instead of a cord, there were around sticks laid a few inches from each other. These were covered with a thick bed of straw and on the top there was a mat spread. The hut is made of sticks and a kind of flag curiosity worked together. Which renders it a comfortable habitation.”

I saw the ruins of idolatry, four idols standing on the shore near the place where we landed. They are made of carved wood, about eight or ten feet in height. Their heads are nearly as large as a bushel basket, resembling the picture of Satan more than anything else. These I understood are sold for firewood. After tea, we took leave of our brethren and sisters who are to remain behind. Capt Blanchard and Brother B[ingham] accompanied them to land.” (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

On April 12, Samuel Ruggles noted, “We shall sail for Woahoo [O‘ahu] about 10 o’clock tonight.” (Samuel Ruggles)

For some, seasickness returned, April 13, 1820, “Several of the family feel the motion of the Brig so much as to be seasick again, particularly Brother Ruggles and Mrs. Loomis who were often afflicted in a particular manner whenever we had a rough sea during the whole long passage from America.” (Thaddeus Journal)

“Early this morning [April 14, 1820] as we pass Morotoi [Molokai] and Rani [Lāna‘i], the Island of Woahoo [O‘ahu] presented to our view, first its pointed mountains end forests, then in succession its extended plains, its verdant hills and fertile valleys, its pleasant groves and streams, its grazing herds and flocks its thatched cottages and villages, its principal fort and harbor, … interesting inhabitants, far more worthy of our first attention then the inviting salubrity of its climate, the richness of its soil, or the luxurience of its vegetation.”

“We anchored outside of the harbor, and some of the brethren with Capt. B[lanchard] soon went ashore in the boat, called on Mr. Marin, a, Roman Catholic Spanish settler, who is interpreter for the government. He received us kindly. Informed us that Boka, the governor, was gone to another part of the Island, out as soon as he understood our business, he despatched two native servants on horse-back with a message, informing him of our arrival. Meantime paid our respects to the second in command at the fort, dined with Capt. Pigot, an American trader from New York, surveyed this part of the Island and returned highly gratified with this first excursion in this little whitening field where the Lord of the harvest seems evidently to have called us to labor.” (Thaddeus Journal)

“April 14. This morning we saw the island of Woahoo and before noon anchor anchored. Sailing along a little distance from the shore, we passed several beautiful groves of cocoanuts other trees, & saw a herd of cattle grazing on the plains. We are in sight of the village, but the wind is so high it is thought unsafe to enter the harbour today. Some of the brethren have been on shore and brought us a good report of the land. They say there is now on the island, almost all kinds of green sauer and fruit, which we used to have in America.” (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

“April 14, 1820 – Arrived at Woahoo (Oahu) at 11 o’clock this morning and anchored near the village of Hanaroora (Honolulu). Brother B[ingham] & myself immediately went on shore and were received with much apparent friendship by a Capt. Picket, a gentleman who has resided several months in the Island. He invited, us to dine with him and generously offers to assist us in providing houses, and render us every other service in his power.” (Samuel Ruggles)

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April 11, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

“(I)f we did not do them good they might send us all away.”

Discussions and negotiations to allow the missionaries to stay went on for days. On April 10, 1820, “All the brethren went on shore to make one more united effort to obtain what appeared to all to be truly desirable.”

They sought and received assistance from some of the other foreigners. But, “Before anything decisive could be done, two youths presented themselves on the common near the King’s house, prepared, for a public dance. This drew the attention of all, and probably nearly 2000 people were soon collected”.

“The dancers were fantastically dressed in the manufacture of the country, having on their heads and wrists a small wreath, around the waist a large quantity of spreading tapa, and on the leg a cumbersome kind of gaitar, thickly set with dog’s teeth which rattled together at every step, and answered in time to the musick.”

“After many inquiries with respect to our designs and to the number of arts which we were able to teach, they seemed to be satisfied that our intentions were good, and that we might be of some service to them.”

“To obviate what had seemed to be an objection, the fear of displeasing G. Britain, they concluded that Mr. Young should write to England to inform the people that American missionaries had come to settle here, not to do any harm but to teach the people of these Islands all good things.”

“They added that we must not send for any more missionaries, from fear that we might be burdensome or dangerous to the government. When we had finished our propositions and made all the statements which we thought proper, we left them to have a general consultation tonight, and to give us their result tomorrow. We believe ‘the Lord is on our side’ and that our wishes will be gratified.” (Thaddeus Journal)

Then, the decision was made …

April 11, 1820
April 11 Brother Bingham being somewhat exhausted with the long continued negotiations and seriously indisposed today; brother Thurston and Dr. H went on shore to hear the result. A result highly creditable to the government and satisfactory to us, and we believe honorable to the great Lord of missions, and we thank God and take courage. Our joy is mingled however with the painful thought of so speedy a separation.
The decision of the government is, that two of the brethren with their wives, and two of the native youths should remain here and be furnished at the public expense with lodgings, water and fuel, and with fresh provisions end allowed to commence their work with the promise of protection; – and that the rest of our number should be allowed to proceed, to Woahoo and there be accommodated with convenient houses. The government were told that if we did not do them good they might send us all away. As it is the pleasure of the King that the Dr. should remain, with Thos. Hopoo and Wm Tennooe, it was easily agreed on among ourselves and settled thus far. It was also easily agreed that one of the ordained missionaries should be designated to remain. The question, which of the two was decided by ballot and brother Thurston was appointed to occupy this important post, to our mutual satisfaction. (Thaddeus Journal)

April 11 1820 – Still on board the Thaddeus. It is now the thirteenth day since we made the land. There is not the least hostility on the part of the natives; on the contrary, all appear friendly. It is difficult to say why we are so delayed. Among obstacles in the way of dispatch, may be reckoned their great indolence and total disregard of the worth of time.
1 o’clock. The important decision is made. We are to proceed to Hoahoo to make the principal establishment, leaving two of our brethren and sisters in this place.
The separation is painful.—If nature might be allowed to speak, we should say our dear brother and sister Thurston we must have with us. She is a lovely sister. But the Lord’s will be done. We hope we are enabled to say if from the heart. Our physician is the other to be left. Do not be alarmed, dear sisters, GOD will be our physician. The king insists upon his remaining on account of his art. As much as we may need that, some of the female part of our little band especially, yet, all things considered, I believe we are all disposed to view a kind providence in the present arrangement. (Sybil Bingham)

(Lucia Holman noted this as Saturday. 8th.) The King gives orders that Dr. H. and our teacher must land at Kiarooah – the village where he now resides, and the rest of the family may go to Oahhoo, or Wahhoo. We plead earnestly that we might all go to Oahhoo, at least to do our washing and become a little familiarized to the country before we separated – not knowing how a family could live upon a rock of Laver, without wood or water, with six months washing on hand. Our entreaties however were unavailing. The King and Chiefs said that everybody liked Oahhoo better than Ohyhee, and if we all went there we should not come back again. Besides, he wanted the Dr. to stay with them, as they had no Physician and appeared much pleased that one had come; as to pulla-pulla (learning), they knew nothing about it. Consequently it was agreed that Dr. H. & Mr. Thurston should stay with the King and the rest of the family go to Oahhoo. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

April 11. The King has given permission for some of the mission family to stay here and the rest to go to the island of Woahoo. It is his request that the Physician, with two of the native youths should stay here and brother Thurston is appointed to stay with them. It is indeed trying to be separated from our dear brethren and sisters & especially from our Physician. But it seems to be the will of God and we ought cheerfully to submit, if in so doing we may be more useful. Woahoo is said to be more fertile than Owhyhee; especially than this part where the King resides. Our family can be much better accommodated there, then here. It is likewise the place where American vessels generally stopped & by being there, we probably shall have more frequent opportunities of conveyance to our friends. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

Kirooah bay, April 11, 1820. Voted that it is expedient that a part of our mission reside at this place. Voted that Rev. Mr. Thurston and Dr. Holman with their wives and Thomas Hopoo, and William Tennooe be left at this place. (Minutes of the Prudential Meetings of the Mission Family)

(While the initial decision that they “must not send for any more missionaries”, we learn latter, once the missionaries had started working with and teaching the Hawaiians, the Ali‘i asked, “Here is our hope for the improvement of the lands here in Hawaii. Give us more instructors like those you have in your land, America. …”)

(“If you agree and send these teachers, we will protect them when they arrive, provide the necessities to make their professions viable and give our support to these needed endeavors.”) (Letter in the Ali‘i Letters Collection: https://hmha.missionhouses.org/collections/show/178)

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  • Kamakahonu map by Rockwood based on Ii-Rechtman

Filed Under: Voyage of the Thaddeus Tagged With: thevoyageofthethaddeus

April 4, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

2020 – Year of the Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial

Two hundred years ago, the Pioneer Company of Christian missionaries landed at Kawaihae on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. They finally anchored at Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820.

Over the next month, the missionaries established three mission stations, spanning from Hawaiʻi Island to O‘ahu to Kauai.

Governor Ige, Mayor Kim of Hawaiʻi County, Mayor Caldwell of the C&C of Honolulu, Mayor Kawakami of Kauai, Mayor Victorino of Maui, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Board of the United Church of Christ have each recognized 2020 as the year of the Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial.

9 am, Saturday, April 4, 2020

In commemoration of this bicentennial event, and the formation of Mokuaikaua Church, 200-years ago today, Kawaiaha‘o Church and Waimea Mission Church will join Mokuaikaua Church by ringing their Church bells 200 times – starting at 9 am today.

At the same time, other churches of the Hawaiʻi Conference United Church of Christ will be sharing in this story by ringing their bells at the same time.

The churches will also be ringing the bells on the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Kawaiahaʻo Church on April 23, 2020 at 9 a.m. and Waimea Church on Kauai on May 3, 2020 at 9 a.m.

Filed Under: Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings, Voyage of the Thaddeus

April 4, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Arrival and Final Anchoring at Kailua-Kona – April 4, 1820

April 4, 1820 – At 10 o’clock this morning, 163 days from Boston, we came to anchor in Kirooah Bay, about 1 mile from the palace. Crymokoo, who still seems friendly to our cause, was soon sent for by Reehoreeho and was soon followed by Brothers Bingham and Thurston, Capt. Blanchard and Thomas Hopoo, to lay before his majesty the plan of our enterprise. Found him bathing in the sea with his mother and his first wife, landed, visited John Adams, a native chief who has acquired something of the English language and manners, also John Young who has long resided here and is now acting secretary to the King. Then waited on the King with the most important message that could be sent to any earthly potentate. Read the letter of Dr. Worcester to Tamh. and the letter of Capt. Reynolds to Tamh. and Reehoreeho, and had them interpreted by Mr. Young and Thos. H. and through them made known to his majesty the views of the American Board and the wishes of the Mission family. He seemed pleased with the object laid before him, but far from being in haste to give an answer. All indeed, both king and chiefs, honorable women and common people, who spoke on the subject expressed their approbation the general term “Miti”, i.e., “it is good”. (Thaddeus Journal)

at 10 a.m. Tuesday came to anchorage there (Kailua). The Captain and some of the passengers then went on shore and visited the King, ‘a great number of natives, men and women,” meanwhile visiting the brig. During the next day she continued to lie there’ waiting the result of the grand council, which was sitting, consisting of the King and chiefs, respecting the mission.’ ‘They are undecided, but appear favorably disposed towards them.’ The chief, if not only, objection is said to have originated with an Englishman, who, formerly detained against his will at the Islands, had married a woman of rank, acted as governor of Hawaii, and finally became attached to his new life. The native chiefs and other subjects were evidently peaceable and fairly disposed, although not unnaturally inclined to be politic. The population, after passing through war and religious change, was in a quieted, receptive condition. (James Hunnewell)

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, near the residence of Keehoreeho the king. Bless the Lord, O, our souls, for all his tender mercies towards us. 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, with this heathen Ruler. How important the moment! The great Head of the Church give his servants wisdom, a sound understanding, and guide them in every step. The heart of this heathen king is in his holy hand and He can turn it as He will. O, I think, I do rest on this firm ground, that He will accomplish his blessed purposes and do all his pleasure. (Sybil Bingham)

4th. Arrived this morning in Kiarooah (Kailua) bay, in full view of the kings seat. Brother B. & T. have gone on shore with the embassy of peace and mercy to a people without law and without religion. It is an important moment with us. The grand council are to convene this evening to consider whether to permit us to land, or send us away. May the Spirit of God dispose their hearts to receive us and the word of life at our hands. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

April 4. This morning anchored. The Chief, the two Queens, Captain B and several of the Brethren, have gone on shore to visit the King. This is with us, an important & eventful period. Two white men residing with the King have been on board; it is expected they came as spies. We have reason to fear they will endeavor to influence the King against us. But we have one consolation, Zion’s King reigneth. The hearts of all men are in his hands & he can turn them as he pleases.
I will now attempt to give you some particulars, respecting the dress, manner of eating etc. of the natives. The men, go almost naked. The usual dress of the women, is a tapper. It is a cloth wrapped round their body, and reaching halfway to their feet. Some wear ten thicknesses wrapped twice around them, others not so many. They have clothes; but seldom wear them, for they consider them a burden. They wear a string of beads round their necks and a wreath of feathers in the head. They usually wear their hair long on the back part of the head, cutting the rest short.
Their manner of eating is something singular. They spread a mat on the floor, then, seat themselves on it in a circle & eat with their fingers. They have three kinds of poe, which is made of tarrow. One is about as thick as starch which we use on muslin, and something resembles it. This is eaten with one finger. They get their finger in and turn it round to make it stick to it, then put it in their mouth and suck it off. When one has dipped in his fingers, the dish is passed to the next & so goes round. The second kind which is thinner, is eaten in the same manner except with two fingers. The third which is still thinner with three. With this they eat fish, hogs and dogs.
As to their manners, I believe it would be almost impossible to give you a just idea of them. As to any sense of shame or modesty, they appear to have but little more than the brutes. They are a very indolent people. They lie most of the time on their mats and sleet, or lounge around in idleness. They have Waiters to attend upon them, brush off the flies, a scratch their backs, etc. There fly bushes are very elegant, being made of feathers stripped from the quill, with a mahogany or whale bone handle.
4 o’clock. The brethren have returned with favourable intelligence, but no decisive answer respecting are having an establishment here. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

4. – We have now anchored for the first time since we embarked. Brother B & T went on shore & conversed with the king on the subject of our introducing the Gospel. He appeared pleased but his power is so limited that he could give us no decisive answer about landing. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Images of Old Hawaiʻi

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