Makiki Christian Church
The History of Makiki Christian Church
Our History
For many people, the two most enduring elements of Makiki Christian Church's 120+ year history would be the legacy of its founding pastor, the Reverend Takie Okumura, and the "castle church" building itself.
Rev. Okumura made significant and lasting contributions to the people of the then Territory, and now the 50th State of Hawaii. And the architecture of the castle tower, or tenshukaku, has become a recognizable landmark and unique part of Honolulu's historic skyline.
The Reverend Dr. Theodore Ogoshi Archives at Makiki Christian Church is maintained by the Archives Committee, a volunteer group of church members dedicated to preserving the history of their beloved church. To arrange a visit to the Archives or the church, or to volunteer, please contact the main office at (808) 594-6446.
Church History Booklet
Makiki Christian Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004 with a commemorative booklet in English and Japanese.
Stories from Our History
The Artist Who Painted Our Ceilings
Our eyes have wandered lazily upward and been delighted to see the brightly colored ceilings in the Makiki Christian Church sanctuary.
Okumura Brought Baseball to Hawaii
Learn about the baseball legacy in Hawaii from Takie Okumura's founding vision to the All-Star lineage of coaches & players.
Homegrown Sister Warriors, Part 1
Explore the journey of sister warriors: Julia Motoyama, Tamie Kawashima, & Mildred Kiyuna, who grew up in Makiki Christian Church.
Homegrown Sister Warriors, Part 2
Find out about our homegrown sister warriors Julia Motoyama, Tamie Kawashima, & Mildred Kiyuna's sacrificial service.
Mother Katsu Okumura, Notable Woman of Hawaiʻi
"Through poverty and hardships and joys, my wife Katsu Okumura, has stood by me loyally & unselfishly." says her husband.
The Kodama Fund
Makiki Christian Church at one time had an item in the income section of the annual budget called, "The Kodama Fund." Who was Kodama?
Makiki Christian Church Timeline
Makiki Christian Church began in 1904. Learn about our history through a timeline of events that helped shape our church.
A Mysterious Gentleman From Japan
I did not know until later that this humble & mysterious gentleman was a man of great stature & significance in our community, Kazu Tokioka.
How Our Thrift Shop Came to Be
The thrift shop continues to thrive & operate at the same location, continuing to serve the needs of the people in our church & community.
The Story Behind Makiki Christian Church's Tower
Learn about the story behind Makiki Christian Church's tower building in this compilation of Takie Okumura's writings.
Why Did Okumura Come to Hawaii?
Discover the journey of Takie Okumura, as he shares why he travels to Hawaii in his book, Seventy Years of Divine Blessings (Okumura, 1939).
A Young Missionary, Okumura, Founds a Church
Rev. Takie Okumura was a Japanese Christian minister who founded this church and established the Okumura Boys and Girls Home.
75th Anniversary
Makiki Christian Church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1979 with a commemorative booklet in Japanese and English.
100th Anniversary
Makiki Christian Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004 with a commemorative booklet in Japanese and English.
Recent News & Events
Stay up to date with the latest happenings at Makiki Christian Church.
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