For 100 years, the Hoʻolehua Congregational Church has been more than a place of worship. It has been a gathering place for families, a source of strength through generations and an enduring part of the Hoʻolehua community.
That legacy was celebrated on August 23 when church members, community leaders, families and friends, including members of the founding families, gathered for its 100th anniversary service.
How the church began
In 1924, Hawaiian homesteaders began settling in Hoʻolehua from different parts of the Hawaiian Islands. As the community grew, so did the need for a place to worship and gather. According to the church's historical documents, by 1925 Mitchell Pauʻole, Manuel Spencer, David Kalauhala Pa Sr., Frank Keliʻinohopono Archer and their families had committed to establishing a church. In 1926, Mrs. Harry Purdy, Mrs. Julia Pauʻole and Rev. E.E. Pleasant "canvassed the Territory for funds to build a church."
The church was awarded Hawaiian Homes Commission land, Lot 31, while community members donated lumber and building supplies and helped with construction. The church, originally known as Hoʻolehua Protestant Church, was dedicated in 1927.
A day of food, lei and stories
The centennial gathering included the sharing of food, lei, fellowship and stories. Rev. Janice Ogoshi, the church's Kahu and minister, led worship and offered prayer and scripture as part of the service.
Judie Potter-Davidson, a descendant of the Pauʻole family, served as master of ceremonies and helped guide the celebration, including recognizing those gathered and leading birthday acknowledgments. Representatives and friends from the church's United Church of Christ sister churches, Kaluaʻaha, Waialua and Kalaiakamanu Hou, also joined the celebration.
During the luncheon, Hawaii State Senator Lynn DeCoite presented a special certificate of recognition from the Hawaii State Senate honoring Hoʻolehua Congregational Church's century of faith, service and commitment. Lydia Trinidad, secretary and treasurer of the church, accepted the recognition on behalf of the congregation.
Thanking the founders
For Potter-Davidson, the centennial was deeply personal. She said attending church was an important part of her childhood, and that she believes the founders understood the spiritual needs of the homesteaders who were building new lives in Hoʻolehua.
"If they were standing in front of me," Potter-Davidson said of the founders, "I want to really say 'thank you' to them for starting us up."
She said she believes today's generation has a responsibility to continue that work.
"I would tell them that we will do our best to continue their work," she said. "We will try very hard to do whatever it is for us to do to continue their work."
Still a gathering place
Today, the church pavilion continues to serve as a community gathering place, including for Hoʻolehua Homestead Association meetings and the community ukulele group Nā ʻOhana Hoaloha. The former pavilion was also the starting place for Pūnana Leo Hawaiian-language preschool.
One hundred years after Hoʻolehua's homesteaders first came together to create a place of worship, the church continues to serve the community they helped establish.
A version of this article first appeared in The Molokai Dispatch on September 3, 2026.
