WHERE WE WORSHIP
Church nears 125th anniversary
Advertiser Staff
Name of church: First Chinese Church of Christ
Our denomination: United Church of Christ
Where we are: 1054 S. King St.
Our numbers: 600 members; about 350 to 400 attend services and Sunday school each Sunday.
Our head pastor: The Rev. Dr. Samuel Ling. The Rev. Paul Brennan is another pastor.
Our history: The Rev. Dr. Samuel Damon co-founded the church, popularly known as the Fort Street Chinese Church, in 1879. By 1926, much of the Chinese population had moved out to the suburbs, so the church bought the Old Grandville Hotel in Makiki. Three years later, on June 16, 1929, the new church at 1054 S. King St. was dedicated.
Another notable date in the church's history: In 1892, it created the first boarding school for boys, named Mill's Institute; it later outgrew its downtown quarters and combined with Kawaiaha'o School for Girls to form what's now Mid-Pacific Institute.
It's no longer an exclusively Chinese church, with two Sunday services in English (8 and 10:30 a.m.) and a service in Chinese (Mandarin with Cantonese instantaneous translation) at 9 a.m. A growing Chuukese congregation worships here on Sunday afternoons.
What we are excited about: This year, the church has its 125-year anniversary, themed "Celebrating God's Faithfulness." Events begin June 6 with a 10:15 a.m. worship service of thanks and celebration, and a lunch to be served afterward.
The big event planned is a rally with tennis star Michael Chang, which will be held July 2 at 7:30 p.m. Free tickets are available in advance; contact the church.
What is special about us: The architecture here is remarkable for integrating Hawaiian design and Chinese and Christian ornamentation. Well-known Honolulu architect Hart Wood blended the architectural arts of old China with elements of the newer West when he designed the church in the 1920s, and it was considered one of the striking new pieces of architecture of the time in Hawai'i. (Wood was chosen in an open competition; other designs can be seen on the church's Web site.)
The bell tower, shaped like a pagoda, is one of the sanctuary's most prominent design features. The three tiers symbolize the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The cross at the top represents Christ's resurrection.
What we believe: The vision/mission statement for the church is "Loving God, loving people and sharing the good news."
"We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible authoritative word of God, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness," the church covenant says. "We believe in the Triune God as expressed in the Apostles' Creed that there is one Godhead, he is eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that all men have a soul and that soul must be redeemed by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ before we can enjoy the rich and abundant life here on earth and eternal life to come. We believe in preaching the Gospel without ceasing until all men are brought to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
To serve its diverse membership, the church offers Bible study, prayer meetings, tai chi, senior aerobics, sewing and crafts circle, sports activities, gardening group, choir rehearsals, contemporary music, the Ark Fellowship for families, the Magi Ministry for shut-ins and those hospitalized, a Trekkers hiking group and ESL and tutorial services.
Contact: 593-9046; www.firstchinese.org.
