Posted on: Thursday, July 1, 2004

Paul Jones, 'Church Architect,' dead at 82

Advertiser Staff

Architect Paul D. Jones, who became known as Hawai'i's "Church Architect," died Tuesday. He was 82.

Jones designed about 50 church projects in Hawai'i, including many, if not most, of Hawai'i's United Methodist Churches and the First Presbyterian Church. He also designed the Kona Surf Hotel, the Susannah Wesley Community Center, and with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Hale Koa Hotel.

Jones was sensitive to the differences of the churches he worked with and "got the feeling for their particular doctrine" that was reflected in his designs, said Frank Haines, board chairman of Architects Hawai'i Ltd., where Jones retired as a partner.

Jones, who was accepted into the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 1986, also designed the Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Retirement Community in Kane'ohe.

Jones' daughter, Toddi Mor-neau, described him as a man with a very dry sense of humor who loved to grow roses.

In addition to Morneau, Jones is survived by his wife, Georgia Y. Jones; daughters, Virginia-lee Snyder, Robyn Olson and Wendy Smoke; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, LeClearu Jones.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1611 Kewalo St. Aloha attire requested. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital, Transportation Fund, 1611 Kewalo St., Honolulu, HI 96822.