KAILUA-KONA — Ten years later, Mokuaikaua Church on Alii Drive still shows signs of the earthquake that shook the Big Island in October 2006.
Cracks in the walls are visible inside the historic structure and the steeple remains in need of repair.
And that all costs a lot of money, which is now on its way to the 196-year-old church thanks to a national grant-making program.
To the tune of a quarter-million bucks.
“In addition to the cracks left by the earthquake, our steeple is in need of a lot of work, and our roof is not properly attached,” said Mokuaikaua Church Pastor David de Carvalho in a press release.
The pastor went on to explain that the church has an active local congregation as well as many tourist visitors.
“So we are very well-visited, and we open our doors to everyone with services, youth groups and bible studies,” de Carvalho says in the release. “We also have outreach to the homeless and other members of our community in need.”
Mokuaikaua Church was selected to participate in a national grant-making program providing a planning grant and in-kind professional services, which is leading to $250,000 in capital grants.
The grant comes as part of an unprecedented $14 million National Fund for Sacred Places announced by Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist aging churches in need of repair and restoration.
The fund will provide up to $250,000 in capital grants, in addition to planning grants and an array of services, for at least 50 individual congregations from a diversity of faiths throughout four years.
Mokuaikaua was selected because of its historical legacy as the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, as well as its unique building. Moreover, the impact the congregation has on its community, through partnering with a day care center especially, is noteworthy.
“We are honored to support the historic legacy of this congregation,” said Chad Martin, director of the National Fund for Sacred Places, in the press release. “Their cultural diversity is inspiring, and we know their building needs significant work after the earthquake damage it suffered years ago. Mokuaikaua is a great fit for our program.”
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a collaboration that builds on Partners for Sacred Places’ decades of work helping churches use best stewardship practices with their historic facilities in order to strengthen, serve and celebrate their communities for the common good.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is the nation’s leading preservation organization with 60 years of advocacy and grant-making to preserve America’s diverse history.
The fund was launched with two grants totaling nearly $14 million from the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment Inc. Through this initiative, $10 million will be disbursed for capital improvements, with the remainder used for planning, technical assistance, coaching and program oversight.
“This church was built to last,” de Carvalho said. “We just need to do a little work to make sure it does.”
The church’s capital improvement campaign also is in full swing. There has been support from local professionals and businesses, but more help is needed.
To help, visit the church online at www.mokuaikaua.org or call 329-0655.
Email Laura Shimabuku at lshimabuku@westhawaiitoday.com.
