The church council of Kalahikiola Congregational Church in Kapa'au met this week and tentatively decided to rebuild the historic building. Pictures of the wall were flashed on TV screens in regular intervals during world news coverage of the quake Sunday.

Interim Pastor George Baybrook said the 40-member council heard rebuilding estimates that ranged from $800,000 to $3 million, a hefty price tag for a congregation with just 100 members. They've set up committees to oversee rebuilding and insurance issues.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency estimate placed damages at about $2 million.

"We have insurance, but not that much insurance," said Baybrook, adding that another $25,000 to $35,000 in damage was sustained by the adjacent parsonage.

The church is listed on both national and state historical registries. It was built in the 1850s and dedicated in Oct. 11, 1855; early missionary Elias Bond in his writings compared it to "the crown jewel" of O'ahu, Kawaiahao Church.

Donations for the rebuilding efforts are being accepted at:

Kalahikiola Congregational Church

PO Box 159

Kapa'au, HI 96755