MVC – 50th Anniversary Booklet

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CONTENTS
Constitution and By-laws iii
Purpose and Dedication iv
The Why and How of this Book
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PART ONE - Setting the Church in Motion
First 24 Years as a Mission: 1922-1946
Introduction 1
Beginning of the Trail 2
Kawaiaha’o Church 3
Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands
Start of the Manoa Mission 4
Manoa School 5
Central Union Church 6
1940: Rev. Ernest Fujinaga 8
Summary 9
Map, Manoa Valley 10
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PART TWO - Growth, Change
Fifty Years as a Church: 1946-1996
From Mission to Church 11
1954: Rev. Nelson Kwon 12
1962: Rev. Don Adams 14
1964: Rev. Hiro Higuchi 15
Contemplations by Hirotoshi Yamamoto,
Yoshiji Aoki, Gloria Tamashiro
1971: Rev. Michio Oyakawa 20
1979: Rev. Donald Asman 21
Sunday School 23
Youth Program Highlights: Rev. Beth Plumbo 23
Retrospections 26
Karine Nakashima, Ron Hashiro, Dorothy Murakami, Peg Renard,
Vanessa Miller, Dan Fujikawa, Thelma Izu, Betsy Komatsu, Jane
Otake, Don Shimazu, Randall Fujikawa, Charlotte Walters, Bette
Uyeda.
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21
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25
26
27
28
PART TWO - Loose Ends
Soul of the Church
Church Signs 41
Hero? Steamroller? Legend? 41
Monday Men 43
Men/Women Fellowships 43
Budget Crackers 44
The Building Program 44
Of Lava Rock and Fancy Swirls
A building as a memorial
And the church as an institution
Secretaries . Child Care . Youth Workers .
Boy Scout Troup 11
Monarch butterflies!
PART FOUR - Next Seventy Five
Keep on being Faithful
A Word About Rev. Asman 47
Of Omar and Hyakutake 47
Pictures 48a & b
Looking to the Future 49
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
APPENDICES
Mission Statement 53
Timeline 54
50th Anniversary Program 65
“There’s A Church In The Valley”
Membership Roster 1997 67
Certificate of Dedication 69
It’s hard to imagine that at this
beginning, they were wormlike
creatures we call a catepillar. Yet
in this beauty and grace they are
forever new - as a reminder being
imparted by Shelly Hamada in her
drawing in the inside back cover.
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INSIDE BACK COVER
Drawing by Shelly Hamada
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CONSTITUTION and BY - LAWS
of the
Manoa Valley Church
adopted on November 3, 1946
Constitution of the Church
Article I.
Article II.
Article III.
Article IV.
Article V.
Article VI.
Name
Covenant
Polity
Membership
Life and Work
Amendments
By-Laws
I.
Membership
II. Services and Meetings
III. Officers
IV. Finances
V. Auxiliary Organizations
VI. Amendments
MANOA VALLEY CHURCH
Constituted Sunday, November 24, 1946
by the
Oahu Evangelical Association
(signed)
This page is a summary depiction
of (1) the contents of the original
Constitution and By-Laws adopted
by the church on November 3, 1946
and (2) the follow-up action three
weeks later on November 24 when
it was officially constituted by the
Oahu Evangelical Association. This
is the basis around which our 50th
Anniversary Celebration revolves.
The original is a 15-page
handwritten document on file in the
church office.
Edward Kahale, Moderator
Allen Hackett, Pastor, Central Union Church
J. Leslie Dunstan, Hawaiian Board of Missions
CHARTER MEMBERS
Ernest Sota Fujinaga, Yasu Fujinaga, Carl Hisashi Inokuchi, Thelma Izu, Betsy
Nakamura Komatsu, Jean Nakamura, Joan Nakamura, David Nekotani, Ruth Taeko
Nose, Yutaka Nose, Richard Oide, Nancy Oshiro, Marie Otaguro, Betty Tanga,
Gilbert Yamabayashi, Amy Takahashi Yamamoto, Hirotoshi Yamamoto
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Purpose and Dedication
The task of writing this history of the church is being undertaken not only because it seems
appropriate to the occasion but also to update the only available document of this nature, a 12-page
study published in May 1966 by member Mae E. Mull titled “From Mission To Community Church
– A Study Of Manoa Valley Church.”
We are indebted to Mrs. Mull for her introductory work. This second effort would never have
gotten off the ground lacking the basic information contained in her study - the initial roles played
Kawaiahao Church, The Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands, Central Union Church
and others in the early development of the mission church in the valley.
As to format, our basic aim is to portray the experiences of the church’s seventy-five years in the
valley in as simple a telling as possible; as Sid Hormel from Waiokeola Church used to paraphrase
when singing the hymn “I Love To Tell The Story”: “I love to tell the story of my church, not yours.”
Kidding aside, the following selection from Walt Whitman’s “Sea Drift” (from Leaves Of Grass) is,
for instance, more to the point of what’s on our mind:
Up through the darkness,/ While ravening clouds, the burial clouds, in black masses
spreading,/Lower sullen and fast athwart and down the Sky,/ Amid a transparent clear
belt of ether yet left in the east,/Ascends large and calm the lord-star Jupiter,/ And nigh at
hand, only a very little above,/ Swim the delicate sisters the Pleiades.
In that perception of glory and beauty we dedicate this publication to not only the souls who have
gone before us but all of you for your contributions in making the church what it has come to be: You
began and held to the belief that man and religion belong to each other – Up through the darkness.
And that has given us something to celebrate.
A parallel aim has been to publish this document at the least cost so it can be made available to
all members free of charge. Hence the spiral binding... but more consequential, all the work has
been done in-church. Finally, in the hope that it would find a practical and useful end aside
from historical context, wide margins have been purposefully set so you can add in your
own unbridled sense of voice and feel - pictures, autographs, messages, whatever - as your
expression of God’s gift to one and all.
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The Why and How of this Book
The task: As part of the celebration, write a short history of the
past fifty years, or seventy-five years. Just crank out a few pages
of stuff about “the church in the valley” in time for dinner, the
anniversary dinner, that is. That’s the way it started in committee, a
simple, modest proposal. Can do? All nod their heads. Good idea.
Months go by. Nothing happens. How to get the ball rolling? Do
it.
So at last we’ve got some kind of a movement going. But, like
Topsy, the collective effort keeps growing. Not simple anymore.
And of course it’s the first time a publication like this has ever
been attempted...in-house. Fingers are crossed as to whether it
will even work. And for sure, it could not have been done without
the expertise of Dan Fujikawa and Peggy Cha on their electronic
keyboards and the art of Maddie Oshiro and Bette Uyeda on
layouts. Not to overlook Catherine Miyahira in the office and
Ron Hashiro’s advice on pictures and anything technical. Talents
galore. Others, including Rev. Asman, come through with stories and editorial help. Rev. Kwon
mutters under his breath that he’s not a poet, but read his vignettes and you be the judge. Rev. Mitch
Oyakawa also comes through, from across the big pond. So does Rev. Beth Plumbo. And members
up and down the line. Auwe! This is more than we bargained for.
And missed deadlines. First the January annual meeting date. Then Pro Bowl Sunday in February;
wish we could feel like the guy who kicked that 30-yard field goal for a million bucks. Ours, we
missed, of course. And so on. But we’re here at last. Hope you enjoy the tales your fellow members
have spun for you. And thanks for being so patient.
On behalf of the committee, one final word, from John 16:33 - Be of good cheer.
Ben Tamashiro, editor. August 1997.
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Rembrandt
The Storm on
the Sea of
Galilee
Oil on canvas
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PART ONE - Setting the Church in Motion
First 24 Years as a Mission: 1922-1946
1. Introduction
So another point in the life of our church is upon us - the 50th Anniversary of the signing of its Charter,
on November 24, 1946; the date its status changed from Mission to Church.
It was followed a decade later by its next big step, the incorporation of the
church on November 7, 1956 (the seal is exhibited to the right), meaning
that it could now hold title to property. And with that, another decade later,
it began its building program culminating in the dedication, in August 1967
of the sanctuary and the Education Building, which we today call the Manoa
Valley Church.
The life of the church, however, has its roots deep in the Manoa Mission
dating back to September 1922. This connection brings up the primary purpose of this document: To
refresh ourselves by recalling how Christianity first came to Hawaii, and then to review the subsequent
story of how our church itself came into being and the main points that have transpired over its run of
nearly 75 years as the Manoa Mission/Manoa Valley Church.
Call these points “lightning marks,” if you will, a term taken from the book, Pilgrim At Tinker Creek,
by Annie Dillard. It’s a story of her life in and around Tinker Creek in Virginia’s Blue Ridge - God’s
country. Published in 1974, it’s been described as a book “which, on any page, offers a passage one can
scarcely wait to share with a friend.”
And in one of those passages, Dillard tells about the practice of certain Indians who used to “carve long
grooves along the wooden shafts of their arrows” which they called “lightning marks” because they
resembled the curved fissure lightning slices down the trunk of trees. Its function? “If the arrow fails to
kill the game, blood from a deep wound will channel along the lightning mark, streak down the arrow
shaft, and splatter to the ground, laying a trail dripped on broadleaves, on stones, that the barefoot and
trembling archer can follow into whatever deep or rare wilderness it leads.”
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Consider, then, this publication in that sense, and you the archer. The wilderness parts upon the release of
your first arrow: “How did the alien religion, Christianity, come to the Sandwich Islands, and, specifically,
to Manoa?” Lightning marks in the underbrush of history lead from Hawaii to New England and back;
a trail as fascinating as one could find anywhere.
Then to further assist you in following that trail is a chronicle of the happenings in the life of the church
itself, not only of the past fifty years but from its very beginning almost three-quarters of a century
ago. Its function is to provide a convenient overview of those happenings - the incidental occurrences,
the ideas that have been spawned, the events that have been celebrated - many of which are further
expanded upon in the text.
2. Beginning of the Trail
In her book, To All People, Albertine Loomis writes “Honolulu first heard the Christian message on a
Sunday in April 1820. In a pili-grass house near the harbor the Rev. Hiram Bingham — seven months
out of Andover Seminary, six months out of Boston, and four days out of the brig Thaddeus, which still
lay off shore — spoke earnestly: ‘Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall
be to all people.’” Thus we begin our touch with that historical journey when this place, Hawaii, was
known as the Sandwich Islands and over which kings and usurpers were still battling for control. Enter
Henry Opukahaia, the young native boy who had literally invited himself aboard the square-rigger
Triumph by swimming out to the ship in Kealakekua Bay in order to escape the heathen priests who
had held him captive. The family had been captured by the enemy, tortured and killed. The ship offered
a means of escape from this inhuman life. It took him to China, then to America by way of the Cape of
Good Hope and New York, and eventually to Cornwall, Connecticut.
There, after his death in 1818 at the young age of twenty-six, the story of this native lad with the
impassioned desire to learn about Christianity so he could carry the message of God back to the people
of the Sandwich Isles so gripped the congregation of Cornwall’s Foreign Mission School that they
decided to carry his dream to the islands themselves. They and members of The Park Street Church in
Boston outfitted the brig Thaddeus and set sail for the Sandwich Isles in October 1819 with a charter
proclaiming them to “open your hearts wide and set your marks high. . . aim at nothing short of covering
those islands with fruitful fields, and pleasant dwellings and schools and churches.” Six months later the
Thaddeus dropped anchor in Kailua Bay, then moved on to Oahu where that first sermon was given in
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April 1820.
3. Kawaiaha’o Church
In the beginning. . . Kawaiaha’o Church represents the beginning of modern Hawaii. It stands as the first
Christian church to be built in the Islands. The digging of the foundations for this great “stone church”
(as it came to be known) was begun in 1838 and dedicated July 1842. And by 1846 it had established
a series of thirteen branch churches or apana, from Kalihi to Waikiki and well up into the valleys. But
in time, those in Manoa and Makiki fell into disuse with the decline of the Hawaiian population in the
valleys. But the apana is to play a critical role in the life of the church in Manoa Valley and this aspect
is chronicled in several sections of this narrative.
4. Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands
The histories of the six major religions of the modern world
– Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism,
Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism – are treated individually in the 1962 six-volume publication of Great
Religions of Modern Man. The volume on Protestantism is edited by J. Leslie Dunstan, who is one
of three officials of the Oahu Evangelical Association whose signatures appear on the document which
constituted the Manoa Valley Church on November 24, 1946.
Dunstan writes “in Protestantism, no system of orthodoxy can determine a man’s faith. The faith is
organically related to man’s free spirit and thus is forever being forced to test the creeds and confessions
which are worked out.” It would seem that this is the kind of spirit that Henry Opukahaia put to the test
on himself.
And now, in Boston in the early 1870’s, in the same kind of spirit a new missionary society had been
organized with the mission of sending out “single women into the mission fields, and be responsible
for their support, to establish girl’s schools, educate Bible women, and do especial work for women in
pagan lands.” Shortly, a similar Board was organized in Hawaii, a place so much nearer to the islands of
the Pacific. And the decision was reached that this must be an independent Mission Board, and such has
been its status through the succeeding years. Branches were formed on the other three large islands, and
youthful auxiliaries fostered. First of the latter societies was the Missionary Gleaners formed in 1874
– a society of girls in the Fort Street and Bethel churches later united as Central Union. As pioneers in
the Missions field, its practice was to initiate projects, ensure their existence, and then hand them over
to other organizations. A case in point was the Manoa Mission.
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5. Start of the Manoa Mission
As the story is told in the Woman’s Board’s 1931 Historical Background handbook, its activities
included Christian work first among the Chinese and the Portuguese. This was followed by work
among the Japanese, including inviting Miss Julia Gulick to become their missionary here following
her decades of work in Japan. Then the Board “moved on to the unoccupied, but needy field of Manoa
Valley.” The year was 1922. Its narrative continues:
First, with the consent of the Board of Supervisors, we used the Manoa School as
a center, but soon found two centers were needed, one in upper and one in lower
Manoa. In 1928, a lot was leased and a building erected to house our activities
in the upper valley. Alas, the construction was too light, and on Christmas night,
1929, the building collapsed during a fierce rain and windstorm and the corrugated
iron roof and many timbers were scattered down the valley. Nothing daunted,
we rebuilt, stronger this time and now it houses a Sunday school, kindergarten,
a monthly evening service, a monthly farmers’ meeting, mothers’ meetings and
Baby Clinic. We now have one full-time, and one part-time worker in Manoa
Valley.
Miss Neva Young was employed to work in Moiliili and Manoa. Later, Miss Yone Yoshioka, a trained
worker from the Los Angeles Bible School, was engaged to carry on this work. And there were many,
many others who volunteered their services. The following profile on Clara Hisa Shinoda Ando
(extracted from a Central Union Church paper) gives a more intimate glimpse of the work of the Manoa
Mission. She and co-worker Ella F. Sargent visited an average of 45 families every month, encouraging
them to bring their children to Sunday School and the weekday School of Religion and inviting women
to the weekly mothers’ meetings, Christmas programs and such. Ella’s first Sunday School grew from
eight to over one hundred within weeks. Hisa directed a Sunday School averaging 48 students; for
most, it was their first such experience. She also held weekday School of Religion classes every Friday
afternoon with 112 pupils attending, and conducted Saturday evening worship services. A kindergarten
was started during this time and it was providential that Hisa was there because the little ones did not
understand English, only Japanese; another instance of the Mission filling a real community need in
preparing children for public school.
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As the work of the Mission in both Lower and Upper Manoa continued to grow, the expanding programs
in Lower Manoa began to tax the Manoa School facilities so arrangements were made for the use of the
YMCA recreation hall (located in what is now the Safeway Store parking lot). It had been built with
funds from the Japanese community. At the same time, several programs in the Upper Manoa Mission
were transferred to the Manoa School.
6. Manoa School
A 1952 handbook prepared by its PTA unit provides a sketch of the history of Manoa School.
It
opened in 1854 as one of twelve English schools for natives with an enrollment of 42 pupils. Growth
was gradual over the next half century, then shot up spectacularly to 461 in 1923 (1994-95 enrollment
was 590).
The handbook also contains a brief history of Manoa Valley Church and kindergarten, which begins
with this note: “A friendly neighbor of the Manoa School through the years has been the Manoa Valley
Church. Their programs have interlocked through mutual cooperation to the benefit of both and of the
entire valley.”
The man who organized the public schools during the important formative period from 1847 to 1860
was the Rev. Richard Armstrong. In his 1849 report to the Legislature, he reported that “Singing has
been introduced in all the schools where teachers could be obtained and with the happiest effect. This,
in fact, is the most popular of all the school exercises.”
He goes on to explain: “It tends to cultivate the taste, refine the feelings, and make the schools attractive
to the young, while thereby the choicest sentiments are instilled into young minds, molding the character
and the life of purity and virtue. It has also appeared to me that music in the schools has a most beneficial
effect upon the health of the pupils.”
Perhaps these sentiments could be worth reemphasizing and could be practiced more vigorously in the
schools and churches of our day?
However, the time came when the school could no longer adequately serve the community because
of aging and inadequate facilities. In 1952 it moved to new quarters adjacent to the Manoa recreation
field. Charter member Betsy Komatsu well remembers this date because that was the year her daughter
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Eunice had turned six and would have been enrolled at the old Manoa School (where the Manoa Fire
Station presently stands) but instead began her first lessons at the new location.
Back to the Mission days and the old school. The principal of Manoa School, Miss S. Eva Mitchell,
was herself an active participant in the work of the Mission. School children were excused from 1 to 3
p.m. on Fridays to attend religious education classes. Those not interested stayed back. As the Sunday
School, weekday School of Religion and summer Bible Schools continued to grow, volunteer teachers
were recruited from Mid-Pacific Institute and Central Union Church.
7. Central Union Church
The information on Central Union Church was provided by Susan Case, one of the church’s historians.
Central Union Church came into being when two separate congregations, the Bethel Union Church and
the Fort Street Church, joined forces in 1887. Sunday School rooms were overcrowded and services
were often inaudible because of the outside traffic noises. So ground was broken for a new church in
August 1922, at the corner of Beretania and Punahou Streets. The dedication of the Sanctuary was held
in May 1924. The charter provisions of the New England missionaries to “set your marks high” were
being set in place as the church became one of the strongest pilliars of Congregationalism in Hawaii in
bringing the Christian gospel to the Hawaiian, Caucasian, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese people.
The following is an extract from the church’s second (1899) annual report concerning its Hotel Street
School operations: “Our room opens directly on to the street, and we are all very near the side walk
when at the lessons. Often a large number of Chinese gather about the door, curious to find out what
can be going on within. Sometimes they come in, and without removing their hats, inspect us nearer,
looking over our shoulders and at the pictures on the wall, and at our books. The Chinese pastor is a
member of this school, and whenever a man comes along who will listen, he quits his lesson and tells
him about the Christian religion. These Chinese are first-class heathen.”
Reporting on the Japanese Sunday School of that year, Superintendent J. D. Bidwell notes that “There
are now about two hundred Japanese Christian on the islands. The work (at Hilo) still goes forward with
increasing interest and power, eighteen more just having been baptized.”
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And from Hilo, Pastor Okabe notes in the 1892 report that “We have lost more than one-half
of our church members who were out of contracts after three years of labor. Most of them returned to Japan, while some of them went to America. In fact, our church is a kind of factory which manufactures Christians out of raw materials and distributes into all directions.”
A break in the storytelling between para. 7 & 8.
The ridgeline in this photo is instantly recognizable to
anyone in Manoa Valley - the top of the valley where Tantalus connects, like a T, to the Koolaus (see map p.10). And
the building? It’s an apana or branch of Kawaiaha’o Church
(p.3) seemingly sited on the very grounds where the present
“church in the graveyard” sits, across the street from MVC.
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So if one were to stand somewhere back of the graveyard
area (UH Astronomy Department or Noelani School, for
instance) facing northeast, this is the view that would
have been a hundred years or so ago. And the dip in the
ridgeline just above the back end of the apana roofline
is where Manoa Falls begins. (Bishop Museum file photo).
The task of making Christians out of “first-class heathens” and “manufacturing” Christians out of immigrant sugarcane contract workers only serves to illustrate the determination of the early Central Union
Church to make the people of the burgeoning immigrant population see and understand - in the spirit of
Opukahaia - that life and religion are essentially connected. And one of the beneficiaries of that kind of
spirit was the Manoa Mission.
For instance, in 1934, the Missionary Unit of the Women’s League of Central Union Church took
over from the Woman’s Board of Missions the complete responsibility for the operation and policy of
the Manoa Mission. Among the things it did for the Mission was to enable it to rent, beginning 1942, the
Kawaiaha’o Church’s apana on East Manoa Road, by assuming the payment of the $30.00 monthly rental fee. The apana was referred to, as the “church in the graveyard” for it was set in the midst of a small
Hawaiian graveyard, the graves reposing under a fragrant canopy of plumeria trees and some taller mangoes. It is currently the site of Manoa Valley Theatre. The apana had become available for rent for the
lack of a resident Hawaiian congregation. The month-to-month arrangement continued until September
1951 when the church sent a letter of thanks to the members of Central Union for their “continued support in the form of church rental and Sunday School supplies” and further stated that “Henceforth, we
shall try to be self-supporting, though our membership is very small and our finances still weak.” It was
signed by clerk Jean Takaki. She is one of the 17 charter members of the church.
Another tireless worker was Mrs. Sumiye Yoshioka, who had been dedicating her heart and soul
to the Mission. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Central Union Missionary Unit
in November 1939, she requested that someone else “take her place that could do a bigger piece of
work.” Someone not too young and who could work with the older people as well. She recommended
Mr. Ernest Fujinaga.
8. 1940: Rev. Ernest Fujinaga
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Central Union Missionary Unit, member Mrs. Ross
stated that she had known Mr. Fujinaga since his student days at McKinley. He had gone on to Stanford and theological seminaries on the mainland, then came to Harris Memorial Church. But he had
become discouraged in his work; by his own assessment he was not reaching the people. Mrs. Ross
felt that this was because he had been on too intellectual a level for his parishioners. Then he went to
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Japan where he seemed to have found himself. At Waipahu where he was assistant to Hiro Higuchi,
he had developed a very friendly and affable personality. By 1940, he became the first full-time
minister of Manoa Valley Mission and served till 1954.
By the advent of World War II, the Mission now under the direction of Rev. Fujinaga undertook community-wide tasks and served as a conduit to the military whose martial law edicts governed much of
people’s lives in those days. It assisted the Japanese population in comprehending regulations, formed
labor groups to assist the military, provided leadership in accomplishing the various humanitarian efforts, took actions to improve the welfare of the community as a whole, and in general acted as a link
between the alien Japanese community and the military government. This was an extraordinary time in
the life of the Mission, as it was for everyone.
In appreciation for these efforts, when the Manoa Heiwa Gakuen (one of two Japanese schools in the
valley) was faced with confiscation of its property by the U.S. government, it gave the property to the
Manoa Mission. But because the Mission was unincorporated and therefore could not hold title to the
property, it entrusted the gift to the care of Central Union Church until such time that it could legally
do so.
9. Summary
The accompanying outline map of Manoa Valley pinpoints the valley end of that long wandering trail
of “lightning marks” - the first Mission in Lower Manoa, its extension in Upper Manoa, opening of the
second location in Lower Manoa, the move to the Kawaiaha’o apana, and finally a church it could call
its own.
Thus we have traced the two-part question posed at the start of this narrative: How did Christianity come
to Hawaii and, in particular, to Manoa Valley? But it could be rephrased to a simple question of “How
do you start a church?” Just plant a seed - as did the Woman’s Board of Missions For the Pacific
Islands in Manoa Valley - by forming groups of women into sewing circles.
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Even while working on a simple
sketch like this, of Manoa Valley wherein lies our church,
the mind’s eye cannot help but
drift northward, Laie way, to
Koolauloa, and thoughts of how
all this elegance and poise in
nature came about. . .
to the first words in Genesis:
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PART TWO - Growth, Change
Fifty Years as a Church: 1946-1996
10. From Mission to Church
In his acceptance speech when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949, William Faulkner
said that the award was for “a life’s work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and
least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist
before. The poet’s, the writer’s, duty is to write about these things...to help man endure by lifting his
heart.”
Surely, nothing can be more exciting or evocative than “to create out of the materials of the human
spirit something which did not exist before.” In our own way, that is the spirit we seek as we mix the
historical accounting with sketches and stories by individual members telling of how their experiences
and association with the church have affected their lives in one way or the other; as they share with us a
feel for the texture and the beauty that come from rejoicing in the everyday simple deeds of life.
Finding enjoyment, for instance, in the story of the young boy telling his dad of what he had learned at
Sunday School that morning, the story of Moses and the flight out of Egypt - of how, when Moses came
to the Red Sea, he had his engineers lay a Bailey Bridge over the waters so his people could cross over,
and when he got word that Egyptian tanks were coming after him, called upon his fighter-bombers to
blast them off. “Are you sure that’s the way you heard it?” asked the father. “Well,...” faltered the son.
Then he brightened: “But you should have heard the teacher tell it. It’s unbelievable!”
Unbelievable or not, it might be well to keep in mind that although we are celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the signing of the Charter, the Mission/Church has been serving the valley for almost
three-quarters of a century.
Beginning with Rev. Fujinaga, the following pastors have guided the church since its incorporation:
1940-1954
1954-1962
1962-1964
Rev. Ernest S. Fujinaga
Rev. Nelson Y. C. Kwon
Rev. Donald Adams
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1964-1970
Rev. Hiro Higuchi
1971-1978
Rev. Michio Oyakawa
1979-Present Rev. Donald R. Asman
And our Associate Pastors:
Aug 1969-Jan 1970
Jun 1981-Jun 1985
Oct 1986-Oct 1994
Apr 1995 - Present
Rev. Michio Oyakawa
Rev. Wendell Chang
Rev. Alan Maeno
Rev. Beth Plumbo
11. 1954: Rev. Nelson Kwon
Having closed Part One with a brief monograph on Rev. Fujinaga, we call upon Rev. Nelson Kwon to
tell us how he helped to further kick-start the young church into action. This is his story.
1954 Can you imagine the central valley of Manoa covered with flower gardens without residences,
the recreational center and gym, and the new Manoa School? Can you visualize row upon row of
houses called the Veterans’ Housing where there now is a Safeway market, a McDonald’s and a
Longs Drugs?
Such was the scene when a young man, just one year out of seminary, unordained and single, was
called by the fledgling Manoa Valley Church in July 1954. Without any previous pastoral experience
but eager to ‘save the world,’ Nelson Kwon plunged into the ministry in the valley.
Years of growth: 1954-1962. Spirit-driven and people-powered, membership grew from 28 to 112,
worship attendance from 11 to 108, the Sunday School overburdened the meager facilities with
growth from 164 to 370 children, youth and adults.
Vignette: One day in 1959, the father who had sent his daughter to Sunday School and the
summer junior camps walked into the pastor’s office and handed him a $1,000 check for the
Building Fund. He said he was grateful for what the church was doing for his daughter. He was
a non-member.
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Intermediate and high school groups, and a young adult fellowship were soon organized and active;
a junior boy’s club, a Boy Scout troop, a junior choir followed. Adult Bible studies beginning with
the basics met during the week and at night, and the church struggled to develop an organizational
structure to meet all the demands of ministry.
Vignette: With their heads bowed they walked into the pastor’s study. One boy was burly tackle
on the Roosevelt High School football team; he was teary and near sobbing. The other was
slim, slightly-built and defiantly arrogant. They had come from a fight in the neighborhood,
and had just chain-whipped two other boys. Our Sunday School boys! From ‘good families’!
Together we looked at Romans 7 and discovered the Apostle Paul’s solution to the dilemma of
the conflict of good and evil in his life.
Vignette: They wanted to be baptized and join the church, but were hesitant because of their
‘family religious responsibilities’ of honoring the deceased descendants at the altar maintained
in their home. This couple struggled through the problem but finally decided to make a clean
break, being baptized into Christ and joining His Church. They became staunch members of
the church.
Vignette: It was hilarious: the men dressed up as women with newspaper skirts, dancing in a
chorus line to the tune, ‘Tip-Toe Through the Tulips’ and then dedicating a song, ‘M is for the
Million Things...’ at a Mother’s Day sukiyaki party. These were real fun-loving Christians!
The small membership, of course, couldn’t support a pastor, so financial help came from the now
Hawaii Conference United Church of Christ, which also provided a Chevrolet Suburban Carryall.
Imagine a church budget of $3,432 in 1954! By 1962 it had increased to $47,130 (comparable to
what the cost is for one pastoral staff member today!)
But 1959 was the threshold year, when the church became financially independent and self-supporting,
with 92 members! That was also the year the church contracted Kirby Smith Associates in its first
building fund drive. Result: In 1961, through the skilled efforts of Hirotoshi Yamamoto, the church
acquired a sizable land area with 45,000 square feet added to its existing property acquired through
transfer from the Manoa Heiwa Gakuen, the pre-war Japanese school property held for the church
by Central Union Church. Another milestone occurred in 1956 when Manoa Valley Church was
legally incorporated.
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Ministry with children and youth became important in the life of the church. Summer camps were
fun-filled and life-changing. The Girls’ Choir made neighbor island trips in 1960, 1961 and 1962.
Vignette: The star running back on the Roosevelt football team said, ‘I kept 10 cents for myself
out of my weekly allowance and gave God 90 cents,’ after his conversion experience at camp.
His enthusiasm turned the conventional tithe askew.
Vignette: ‘Your Girls Choir is a real evangelistic tool,’ wrote the Chaplain of the Kaneohe State
Hospital, after a Sunday afternoon concert for the residents.
Vignette: The First Chinese Church basketball team was beaten by the surprisingly strong
Manoa Valley Church high school boys, and wanted a re-match. Our boys, who placed third
in a fast city churches’ league, lost the second game, but the self-esteem of the boys of a small
church had already been established.
Conclusion. Thus, the young, green pastor who was ordained in 1954, left in 1962. The
foundations for the future Manoa Valley Church had been laid.
12. 1962: Rev. Don Adams
He was an Assistant Pastor of the Church of the Crossroads in the 60’s. At that time, he and his wife
Louise, both excellent soloists, were choir members, his enthusiasm for singing matched only by his
exuberance for life. He left Crossroads to go to other important positions at various churches in the
islands; was very active at Oahu Prison, serving as Chaplain. Born in 1926, his untimely death in 1979
cut short a full life of unselfish service.
In explanation of his brief stay of two years at MVC, the following is quoted from a letter he wrote to
the members (at the request of the Standing Committee) in October ‘63: “During the last months of my
first year’s ministry here, it has become more and more apparent that there are some members to whom I
have been unable to minister. This being true, I feel I as a person, cannot stand in the way of the church’s
finding a minister who can minister effectively to all of the congregation. This decision has been reached
without undue antagonism or animosity on the part of those who are concerned or myself. ... I will seek
in the coming months to minister to the best of my ability.”
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13. 1964: Rev. Hiro Higuchi
And contemplations by Hirotoshi Yamamoto,
Yoshiji Aoki, Gloria Tamashiro
Indeed, even as the vignettes of the “young, green pastor” tell of things which did not exist before, and
we told in Part One of how to start a church, we shall now tell of how to go about building one.
A church can be a source of endless wonder and meanings. And history tells us that Christians began
building churches after the Roman Emperor Constantine stopped the persecution of Christians in the
A.D. 300’s. Specifically, in 312, when he was preparing to do battle with his chief rival, Mexenthius, he
had a vision the night before in which he was promised victory if he fought under the sign of the cross.
So he ordered that the shields of his soldiers be marked with the Chi Rho symbol. He won the battle at
the Tiber River and went on to become the first Christian emperor of the Roman empire. The revelation
turned out to be one of the key visions in mankind history. The Chi Rho symbol comes from the first
two letters of the Greek word XPICTOS (pronounced Christos, for Christ) and is used throughout
Christendom as a symbol for Christ. In our church, too, the monogram is superimposed on the stained
glass window in our sanctuary.
So we have our own story to tell about how to go about building a church. After four decades of operating
out of buildings and rented quarters, ground-breaking ceremonies for a church were held on July 25,
1965. Following two long years of “do it yourself” labor, the sanctuary was dedicated on August 6,
1967. Since that has been the major event in the life of our church these past fifty years, we shall begin
Part Two with that story.
Charter member Hirotoshi Yamamoto, for instance, tells about his life involving Manoa Valley Church.
.... When Samuel Wilder King was appointed Governor of the Territory of Hawaii. He was
a Realtor and since I was in real estate, I became a good friend of Governor King. When
he appointed me to the Real Estate Commission which was composed of three members,
the chairman of the commission was Eaton Magoon of the Magoon Estate, owner of
the land adjacent to Manoa Valley Church. I asked Mr. Magoon if the Estate will sell the
property for the expansion of the church. He agreed to sell, in an exchange of properties in
California.
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I went to the Catholic Church to ask if they will take half of the property because there will
be no subdivision and Manoa Valley Church will have a larger area without subdivision
costs. They agreed to buy a small parcel protruding in their property.
Manoa Valley Church made the Huapala subdivision, hired Albert Yonaoshi, real estate
broker, to sell the lots not required for Manoa Valley Church. The contractor for the Huapala
subdivision was Honolulu Builders, Ltd., Charles R. Yokochi, executive vice president.
Engineers were Arakaki and Lum, and the city engineer was Yoshio Kunimoto.
The key members who worked on the purchase of the land were Charles S. Honda, Archie
Oda in 1959; Robert Komatsu in 1960; Dr. Edward Nakata in 1961; . Yoshiharu Nishida
and many others. Construction started in 1965 under Reverend Hiro Higuchi. The contractor
was Colman Izu. The architect was Howard A. Y. Wong, AlA. The hardworking builders
were Kenneth Chun, Charles S. Honda (special skills in construction), Dr. Mamoru
Ishii, Masaji Yamashita, and many others I cannot remember as I am getting older.
It was an exciting time for members and friends, taking on the huge responsibilities of building a church
on a “do it yourself” basis. How was it possible? Incredible? Unbelievable? Let Yoshiji Aoki tell you
about it in a piece he has appropriately titled, “What Makes a Leader?”
Take a typical working day in the building of Manoa Valley Church sometime in 1966.
Everyone is doing his thing; the women are in an improvised kitchen preparing lunch or
cleaning up. Everything seems to be going nicely, but who is supervising? You would be
hard pressed to pick out the ‘boss’ because he’s doing the same things we are doing, but
everyone who is working knows who the boss is.
We knew that before the ground-breaking and the myriad things that preceded the first
nail being pounded. Perhaps, for some of us, it was unmistakably emphasized when the
dedication of the church was definitely set for a certain date in 1967. Yes, you couldn’t
pick out the boss on the job site, but all of us knew it was Rev. Hiro Higuchi, but he let
us know he had a bigger boss directing him every step of the way.
I don’t recall that I began working with a gung-ho attitude. But imperceptibly, as momentum
built up, I knew there was a profound change of attitude for me. I actually enjoyed and
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looked forward to the weekends working with the others, and forming bonds that come
with a common goal in mind. I’m sure Rev. Higuchi was consciously building up this
feeling in us - this bonding, sharing in his vision of building this church to God’s glory. It
was beginning to become a kind of spiritual experience for me, having a small but personal
stake in the outcome. I might call this feeling ‘ownership’ today. There are numerous
quotes in the Bible about this experience; of the burden being light, of one exerting himself
and not being tired.
How did Rev. Higuchi foster this feeling and attitude? I don’t recall any speeches, any
appeal to us concerning our duty to God. I don’t think it was in his nature to do this. All
I could discern was his always being there, an encouraging hand on the shoulder without
a word, being the first on the premises, doing all the mundane things though reminded
otherwise, being the last to leave.
Yes, he had talented people from the church in the key positions: a general contractor,
master carpenters, steel workers, a mason contractor, financially knowledgeable people, and
many others, but many of us just provided the labor. If things got tight and people became
concerned, Rev. Higuchi’s favorite words were: ‘God will provide,’ and miraculously He
did, but not without some help from the vast store of Rev. Higuchi’s friends. When there
was something especially taxing or too much for our group, there always seemed to be relief
in the form of extra manpower, perhaps from a contractor friend or a veteran’s group.
I felt proud of the feeling I had of trying to keep up with the rest, of not disappointing the
‘boss’ concerning the dedication date. It must be some kind of testimony to Rev. Higuchi
that we did meet the dedication date - barely. As of midnight of the preceding day, we were
still finishing the last painting in the sanctuary.
“I shall always be thankful to Rev. Higuchi for providing me with this beautiful experience,
and also thankful to the committee that enticed him with an offer he couldn’t refuse - that
of building yet another church.”
And speaking of the help provided by veterans, it should be noted that Rev. Higuchi was also Chaplain
of the Second Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. U. S. Senator Daniel
Inouye, who was a member of the 442nd, had this to say when the Reverend passed away in November
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1981: “Many will remember him as the laughing, cajoling, pushy minister who was able to convince us
to give up our weekends to help build his churches, and many who did were not of his religious faith. But
we all knew that it was for a good cause. For that matter, the Chaplain’s causes were always good.”
And many have surmised that it was because he loved carpentry that he built his churches. “But that’s
not it,” he used to say to all who would listen. “I build churches because the people need them.” To
which another 442nd member mockingly complained, “Reverend, don’t ever talk to me again. Every
time I see you, I have to dig into my pockets for more money to give to yet another noble cause of yours,
or help to build yet another church. Go away!”
Many are the times when Higuchi must have felt like walking away from a problem. Like that last week
of October 1944 in Bruyeres, France, when World War II was in full storm. Bruyeres is a small town
up in the northeast corner of France, lying at the base of the Vosges Mountains where the Rhine River
divides Germany from France. The setting is somewhat like Manoa with many other little towns nestled
in the surrounding foothills - like Kaimuki, Waialae, Aina Haina. Over there the places have names like
Biffontaine, Belmont, Venemont, Epinal.
At 4 o’clock one morning, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd were called out to go to the rescue
of “The Lost Battalion” of the Texas 36th Infantry Division. It was surrounded by the enemy above the
hills of Bruyeres and was about to be annihilated. Chaplain Higuchi called the men of the 2nd Battalion
together for a word of prayer before they went out on the rescue mission.
But one GI stood back as the others moved out. “You know, Chaplain,” he said, “you’re always talking
about helping others, doing missionary-type work, carrying the flag for peace. But I’m not interested in
that kind of stuff. I’m interested in the vertical. What I’d like to know is: What is God to me? What
am I to God?” Higuchi had no answer. The GI was right. Because back in Waipahu where he used to
minister before volunteering for the 442nd, the main emphasis of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association
(forerunner to the current Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ) was precisely what the GI
had noted. Anyway, he went off to battle without receiving an adequate answer from his chaplain. He
was killed in that first day of battle.
When Higuchi returned home from the war, he told Dr. Leslie Dunstan, the General Secretary of
the Hawaiian Board of Missions, that he wanted to resign from the ministry because “There wasn’t a
moment when I was concerned with the vertical relationship: What is God to me, what am I to God.”
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(Again, Dr. Dunstan is the same person, one of the three signatories, on the Charter of Incorporation for
Manoa Valley Church.)
But Dr. Dunstan persuaded Rev. Higuchi to give the ministry a second chance. Go back to the graduate
school of theology at Oberlin College, he advised. Higuchi did. And one of the outcomes of that
renewal was that he subsequently became Hawaii’s greatest “do it yourself” builder of churches. It
was faith in action.
Faith takes many a form. In a piece titled, “Baptism Under the Open Sky,” Gloria Tamashiro tells of
another such moment during the construction of the church.
....The skeleton, roof and stage were in place
but the gym-education complex was far from
complete. The wall back to the stage was open
and we could see the sky clearly through the
puka. Piles of lumber lay stacked on the concrete
floor to one side. Other building paraphernalia
were alongside. How proud everyone felt as we
moved along.
It was Mother’s Day 1966. Our five daughters
and myself were baptized against that
background (my spouse had been baptized
previously). I was received into membership
two years earlier and wrestled with the thought
of baptism because my parents were not of the
Christian faith. I felt the conflict of duty, honor
and respect to them. So I turned to Reverend
Hiro Higuchi for guidance and after a soul-searching chat with him during which he left the decision
to me, I decided to be baptized.
During the ritual of baptism, I felt a cleansing and a strong kinship with God even as the water was
generously placed on my head and trickled down my brow. The words of the hymn, ‘His Abiding
Presence’ comforted me . . . . . ‘for whate’er I do, where’er I be, still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.’
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Following worship, Mrs. Louise Krankenberg approached me, saying, “Participating in your baptism
was the best Mother’s Day gift I’ve ever had.” Her inner happiness shone through her smile.
Today, baptism continues to send me forward to be more and more deeply involved in missions and
outreach activities. I’m glad that I had made the right decision.
14. 1971: Rev. Michio Oyakawa
It is a distinct privilege to be invited on this occasion of your 50th anniversary to share some thoughts
and impressions of my time as pastor of Manoa Valley Church. However, as I began, the task immediately
became decidedly intimidating and humbling. An objective observer blessed with historical perspective,
I’m sure, would give a better account. But let me try, since I’ve been asked to do so.
I responded with grateful praise to God when the call came from MVC to become the associate
pastor. It allowed this homesick Hawaiian couple to return home from Iowa and give their young
children an opportunity to develop a Hawaii-based self-identity. As associate pastor I had hoped to
repeat some of the successes and fun in youth ministry I experienced when I was the youth worker
at the First Congregational Church of Wilmette, Illinois. But this was not to be as the Reverend
Hiro Higuchi shared with me his plans for an early retirement at the end of that same year - a
retirement that was so well deserved and proved to be very fruitful, as Rev. Higuchi served many
other churches as interim pastor. But I felt unready for this transition. Not to place myself in the
same category as the Apostle Paul, but his words in I Corinthians 2, 3, and 4 speak for me. So I
entered the minefield of senior pastoral leadership fumbling, lurching, and sometimes frozen in fear
and indecision but survived, thanks to the strong lay leadership in the church and the sheer grace
and protective presence of the Holy Spirit.
I thank all who patiently encouraged, endured, and bore with me during that time.
The Biblical person I most closely identify with when considering my place among the pastors
of Manoa Valley Church is Isaac. He followed his father Abraham who was a giant of faith, a
pioneer who bravely dared the unknown and courageously followed God’s call in his heart. Isaac, by
comparison shines as a much smaller, dimmer light. He spent most of his life near where his mother
Sarah gave him birth. He seems not to have gone off on any adventures and his accomplishments
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seem to be that he begat Jacob and that he reopened some wells his father had dug that were stopped
up by enemies and dug a few new ones himself. So as with Isaac, I also served as a link in the
chain of pastors and somehow kept the water flowing. This is not to discount the fact that many
wonderful things were happening and took place while I was there. How could it not, for they arose
from the community of faith gathered at Manoa Valley itself.
It has been a privilege to have been a part of the history of Manoa Valley Church of these past fifty
years. I praise and thank God for you, the people who make up the church, and pray God’s continued
blessings on you now and always.
15. 1979: Rev. Donald Asman
I look back at my experience of how God has been working in our fellowship since I arrived in late May
of 1979, and I rejoice. Here are some examples of the ways I have seen the moving of the Spirit in our
midst:
= committed, capable, loving staff and lay leadership.
= new adventures in spiritual growth and discipleship training, as people have been involved in
Crossways, Divine Drama, Pilgrimage Retreats, Hawaiian Islands Ministries events, Bible Institute
of Hawaii classes, and a multitude of adult education and small group opportunities.
= stepping out into new territory with the adoption of a two-service worship format on Sundays, so we
might reach more people. This is only one of the signs of our lifting up of evangelism as a primary
reason for our being here.
= the development of a mission statement, statement of faith, and covenant, which help people see
clearly who we are, where we stand, and where we are going.
= lively, Christ-centered worship, always seeking to be faithful to the God who calls us, and meaningful
to people’s lives.
= times of celebration, feasting, dancing, just having fun together.
= people being there for others who are going through times of great difficulty: illness, death, family crisis.
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= outreach into the community, providing office space for service agencies such as Honolulu Habitat
for Humanity and Hawaii Meals on Wheels, and hands-on involvement with these and many other
ministries.
= encouraging and supporting people who are considering full-time Christian service, in ordained
ministry, and in the mission field, people like Wes Oba, Les Araki, Kelly Hilderbrand, Richard Ross,
Vanessa Tamashiro Miller, Mary McVicker, John Somers-Harris, and Randall Fujikawa.
= a wonderful sense of humor, which keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously, and helps us to take
the love of God very seriously.
= touching the lives of families in our community through our child care ministries, Sunday School,
wedding ministries, Family Life and Marriage Enrichment.
= new people coming all the time, and being welcomed into our church family.
= a growing youth ministry, as our young people share their faith, energy, and enthusiasm with the rest
of us.
= all generations working together, trying to understand each other, support each other, and love each
other.
= compassion for the hurting people of the world.
= a very simple purpose - to know Christ, and to make Christ known - which helps us to keep our track
in our changing times.
As your Senior Pastor, I am very grateful for the support and caring you have shown to me at all times,
particularly in those moments of family crises. God has used you all to build my faith. May we continue
to work to God’s glory.
Jesus Christ is master of this church. Hallelujah!
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16. Sunday School
The following is taken from the Board of Christian Education’s report in the 1995 annual church
report: “The concept of enlisting four persons, instead of one Superintendent, has served well to enable
the smooth operation of each Sunday.”
The new Sunday School coordination team was founded a year earlier. Current team members are:
Chairperson - Dawn Hamada; Clerk - Karine Nakashima; Teacher Supporter - Kelvin Tamura; Music
Coordinator - Ruth Komatsu. Attendance has been averaging around 80.
The recruitment of teachers is a perennial problem. Ben Tamashiro recalls when he first came to MVC
and was immediately tabbed to be a Sunday School teacher. This was when the church was located in
the graveyard, across the street. Over his objections, Rev. Higuchi managed to convince him that this
was the best thing he could do for himself and the church. And so it came to be that he spent the next
several decades teaching Sunday School. Later, when the director of the UH Kumu Kahua theater was
searching for a person to play the lead in its upcoming “Life Of The Land,” he was directed to Ben by
Karen Yamamoto-Hackler, who had also come up through the MVC Sunday School system.
(And that was the very beginning of how he eventually came to be “Harry” in the Bank of Hawaii’s
“Harry’s Market” TV series.)
So today, when others who have visions of being in TV, ask him what
kind of education or schooling they should consider in preparation
for such a career, he offers them just one piece of advice: “Teach
Sunday School.”
17. Youth Program Highlights - Rev. Beth
Plumbo
Mission Trip to California was the topic of conversation among
youth as well as adults when I first began serving at Manoa Valley
Church in April of 1995. Fourteen youth and six adults had just
returned from an unforgettable time of work and play. Work was
on a project of the San Fernando/Santa Clarita branch of Habitat
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for Humanity and at a meals-for-homeless program of Garden Grove Friends Church. Play was at
Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and Universal Studios. Fundraising projects had kept the youth and
their families busy throughout the months leading up to the trip. Organization and inspiration for
this trip came through Viola Sur and a team
of dedicated people including Catherine
Miyahira, Gary Archuleta, Mitchell
Chang, and Pastors Don Asman and Alan
Maeno.
The momentum from that trip propelled
the youth through a fruitful year in Sunday
School and a narrated music and drama
production of “The Champion,” a modern
retelling of the crucifixion and resurrection
of Christ. “The Champion” was performed
by more than 20 high schoolers on Easter
Sunday of 1996, and met with a warm
response. Later they were able to share it
with Kailua Christian Church during Sunday
Service for the new congregation of my
predecessor at MVC, Pastor Alan Maeno.
Production of “The Champion” was made
possible through the efforts of Silupe Nimo
and an entire team of youth leaders.
Comet HYAKUTAKE
over the North Shore
photograph by Ron Hashiro
March 26, 1996
In addition to practicing for “The Champion,”
Spring Break of 1996 found our youth
camping at the beach on Lanai through the
hospitality of Les and Lisa Miyamoto,
whose family still lives on Lanai. It was
an idyllic time, including the cosmic
coincidence that Comet Hyakutake was in
full view during our camping experience.
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Following a rigorous three days of sleeping in tents, taking cold showers, and worshipping on the beach,
one 18-year-old camper commented, “It was the best experience of my life so far.” For me personally,
the rich experience with the youth offset the pain of leaving my six-month-old daughter Autumn on
Oahu.
Idle conversation around the picnic table on Lanai led to our plans for Spring Break of 1997. The youth
expressed a desire to take on an even bigger challenge in serving others than they had before, and
suggested Mexico as a place of deep needs. I must confess a lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of taking
a group of teenagers to an under-developed area, but the idea wouldn’t fade! We were led to a program
of Azusa Pacific University which is specifically designed for youth to serve in Mexico. Providentially,
Shino Kuroda, a recent graduate of Azusa Pacific, was hired soon after as our part-time Youth Worker.
Shino’s personal experience on outreaches in Mexico is a blessing as we proceed with concrete plans.
The youth’s preparation includes: learning to share their personal testimony; learning to teach Vacation
Bible School to Mexican children; learning music and mime to be performed before large groups;
language and culture orientation, and studying the meaning of service in the Bible.
URBANA ‘96, a missions conference of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, is another event which has
captured the interest of our young people. Right after Christmas, from December 27-31, 1996, twelve
students of college and near-college age will depart for the University of Illinois campus at UrbanaChampaign for five days of worship, workshops, and mission awareness with thousands of young people
from around the world. Our boards of Mission and Christian Education have generously re-shuffled
their resources in order to subsidize this opportunity. We look forward in faith to the far-reaching impact
this experience will have on the lives of the participants, our church, and our world!
These highlights have not touched on the joy of seeing children flock to the front of the sanctuary for
Children’s Moments during worship; the commitment of more than 30 teachers and staff who nurture
our growing Sunday School; and the relationships blossoming among the young people as they share
formal and informal activities together.
I believe Manoa Valley Church is a place where people of all ages can thrive because they feel accepted.
I had a first impression of that acceptance when I was introduced as the candidate for Associate Pastor
in April of ‘95, and no one seemed to blink an eye to learn that I am not only a woman but I was also
expecting at the time. Rick, Autumn, and I are deeply grateful for the warmth that has been extended to
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our family, and we rejoice that Manoa Valley Church is a family for so many. We look forward to the
ways others will be touched through the ministries of our church in the next 50 years.
18. Retrospections
A NEW CHANCE AT LIFE
I awakened from the coma and saw before me a large clock against a white wall. The numbers meant
nothing to me but the poster next to it spoke to me as it would for months. It said Jesus Loves You. I
later found that my sister had put it there. As the days progressed my wall was filled with pictures, cards
and inspirational posters.
I had undergone five surgeries following the birth of my daughter because of a resulting infection and
respiratory distress. I had been on a ventilator for three months and was fighting to live. During those
months many prayers were said for me. I was not only on prayer lists in the U.S. but in other countries
as well.
During that time I had a constant fever that the doctors could not find a reason for. I was ready mentally
to be transferred to the rehabilitation hospital. There, I could learn to walk again and make steps towards
returning home to my family and my new baby. On Friday my family was told that I would have to be
fever free for 48 hours in order to be transferred or face another surgery on Monday.
That Saturday I awoke and the fever was gone. On Sunday I was still fever free. On Monday I was
transferred to the rehabilitation hospital and the fever never returned. Jesus did love me. God answered
the prayers of all of those people. There was never an explanation of what was causing the fever and
why it went away but everyone knew what happened. God had performed a MIRACLE in my
life. He gave me the gift of life. He gave my children a mother, my husband a wife, my parents their
daughter, my sister her only sibling. He gave me a new chance at life. He opened my eyes to His love.
I started going to church, I began to read His word, I accepted Him as my savior and was baptized a year
later. As I continue to read His word and develop a relationship with Him I am filled with joy that only
He can give.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans to give you hope and a future. Then
you will come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.
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You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ... Jeremiah 29:11-13
-- Karine Nakashima
IN HIS HANDS WHOLE-HEARTEDLY
I had been dependent on oxygen for three years. My doctor told me that the healing of my lungs would
take place for 18 months following weaning off the ventilator, and that was the best they were going to
get. I hoped for months that I would get better, but as time passed I was resigned to the fact that I would
need oxygen the rest of my life. I reluctantly accepted my diagnoses.
Every night I prayed for healing of my lungs but it was a prayer said out of ritual without firm faith and
conviction.
My new doctor had a glimmer of hope that I could improve. I had been disappointed many times in
the past and would not let myself believe that this was possible. He had wanted me to start an exercise
program and to test me regularly.
Something changed inside my mind and spirit. I thought perhaps there was a chance, yet I was still
guarded. I decided that I would not hold on to it any more and I would turn it over to God and put it in
His hands whole heartedly. I went to Ash Wednesday service and asked for a prayer for healing “If it
was God’s WILL.” I also asked my bible study group to pray the same prayer. My personal prayer to
God changed from a ritual to a prayer that I felt deep in my heart. I was ready for whatever God had
planned for me and felt a sense of peace.
I went to my first exercise session and was surprised that the doctor wanted me to walk on the treadmill
without oxygen. As I walked those 20 minutes I was filled with God’s presence. The therapists let
me walk around the hospital with a monitor to see how my oxygen level maintained. My level stayed
normal the whole time and I walked out of the hospital in shock and amazement and without oxygen!
As I walked to my car I was overcome by the grace and mercy God showed me. He had given me another
overwhelming miracle.
I now understand that God does answer all of our prayers. He may not give us the answer we want
because He knows what’s best for us. I have also learned that God’s timing may be different than ours.
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I John 5:14-15: This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to
His will, he hears us. And if we know that He hears us --whatever we ask---we know that we have what
we asked of Him.
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- - Karine Nakashima
I FOUND MANOA VALLEY CHURCH
It was my final year of the Masters of Business Administration. As I began to look forward to graduation,
I realized for the first time in my life that the road ahead was coming to a close and that smooth highway
was tapering off into a wide plain, as far as the eye could see. For almost 20 years, everything seemed
to flow while I was in school. Now, starting into the working world I would have to choose and work to
make things happen. Yet, what was important in life, and how will I make the right choices? Who will
guide me? How will I know?
That started a long, hard journey of soul searching. My officemate sensed that I was grappling with
these loose ends in life and asked if I was interested in attending a church service. Since I was exploring
just about everything and not getting satisfying answers, I replied, “Why not?”
That’s how I found Manoa Valley Church. Over the years, I learned about Christ through retreats,
classes, discussions and discipling sessions. I’ve experienced the presence of Jesus so many times. Each
day, His answering of prayers and guidance is unmistakable. Whether I’m overwhelmed, in the middle
of a conflict, short of resources, or ministering to another person in need, I turn my heart to Jesus and He
never fails me. I praise God each day for servants such as my former officemate that took the initiative
to lead a bewildered soul to Jesus Christ.
Many of you know her as Linda Maeno. If it were not for Linda, I’d probably still be lost, drifting off
of life’s road and winding up stuck trying to get out of the drainage ditch. Now, my eyes are firmly set
on Jesus and helping others to find God’s living water just as Linda has done for me. It is my prayer that
others that are lost and frightened come to know the peace and assurance that Christ offers. To God be
the Glory!
-- Ron Hashiro
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A MOMENT OF NOSTALGIA
I stand at my living-room window
And look at the scene across and below,
House after house dot the valley and mountain-side,
Then it occurs to me, the past I cannot hide;
It seems like only yesterday I saw trees galore,
Guava, kukui, bamboo and many more;
Where did time go and slip by so fast
And leave me to wonder about the past?
Suddenly, I’m brought back to reality
And I begin to assess the progress of my community;
Manoa Market Place, meeting our needs physically,
Manoa Valley Church, the enhancer of our lives spiritually;
I know I’ll always cherish the days gone by,
Sentimentally, I smile, chuckle and softly sigh.
-- Dorothy Murakami
I WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU
How true that promise is, as I discovered on July 31st when Gene fell from the breezeway
roof and died a few hours later. The Lord had given us 35-1/2 years of marriage, four
children and 20 years of living in Hawaii. Sweet blessings.
The furthest thing from my mind when I dropped Gene off for work that day was that I
would be a widow before evening. Needless to say, the shock was like a “hurricane.” But
with God’s love expressed by the church family, friends and my family, I have been able to
weather the loss. Of course I get lonely at times, but I know God is looking after me - with
His angels on earth. I thank Him for my health and the tasks He allows me to do.
As the song says, “When my time on earth is done, may He hold me in His Hand.”
-- Peg Renard
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MEMORIES OF MANOA V AILEY CHURCH
Although I am now in Japan doing missionary work, I still have very fond memories of my years at
Manoa Valley Church.
I remember going to Manoa Valley Church’s Sunday School classes since elementary school in the early
‘60s. There was always a lot of hustle and bustle about the grounds from the children’s activities. The
transitions from elementary to junior high then to senior high always brought a lot of apprehension, but
weekly attendance in Sunday school and its steady teaching of God was a good anchor for me. The
teachers were all very personable, so learning was easy.
I also remember being in the choir and the church’s youth group. I was an average singer and even
though a bit young, I was welcomed into the youth group. It was good to know that there was a place
where I belonged.
I was a young girl when the church building was built, so I got to see the beautiful stained glass window
being constructed. The symbolism behind it all never hit me until I myself became a believer. Until
then, looking at the stained glass picture was just like looking at a colorful piece of artwork. Now,
however, in it I see not only the meaning of the cross but how the various colors represent the people
of Manoa Valley Church -- each person very different, beautiful and sparkling in God’s eyes. When
they’re all connected, these people make up the church, a unit of people striving to know their Lord,
serving others and letting their multi-hued light shine before humanity, that they may see these good
works and glorify the Lord.
Congratulations on your 50th anniversary!
-- Vanessa (Tamashiro) Miller
A HOMECOMING
It was in September of 1995 that four octogenarians and one nonagenarian from Manoa Valley Church
flew to the island of Hawaii for an extended time together. It was a homecoming for Kenneth Abe,
Colman Izu and Rev. Ted Chinen, who had not returned to that island for 30 years, except for one- or
two-day visits. In addition to the places of birth and childhood memories, we stopped at the East Hilo
UCC in Honomu and Central Kona Church in Kealakekua, where Rev. Chinen had served as pastor.
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We drove to places of interest, such as Akaka Falls, Ahualoa (to see the house that Ken built), Honokaa,
Kapaau, Onizuka Space Museum, Volcano House, and Kalapana. We had a tour van take us to the bottom
of Waipio Valley. Our breakfasts were at McDonald’s. The well-known pork chop dinner at Manago
Hotel was a part of the itinerary. At the hotels, I shared a room with Ted. Each night, we discussed the
wonders of God and evidences of His constant presence, closing with a prayer before retiring. I would
like to lift up an analogy of a piano that he and I discussed.
A piano has black and white keys representing a variety of notes on the musical scale; our world is made
up of people of different races, customs and aspirations. Beautiful music can be created on the piano
if it is properly tuned. Similarly, beautiful music can be created when each person is in tune with God.
It is not man who creates the music; it is God. Man is but an instrument, much like the archer and the
bow, where God is the archer, man the bow, and our children the arrows.
The music is beautiful when most of mankind, in spite of their differences, are brought together in
harmony and peace. And I suppose the most beautiful music is created when, like in the spirit of a
homecoming, the entire keyboard--from the lowest note to the highest--responds faithfully to God. A
symphony, no less!
-- Dan Fujikawa
A CHURCH-GOER SINCE CHILDHOOD
My first introduction to the Manoa Mission was when I was five or six years old. I joined my neighbors’
children to go to Sunday School and walked along the only road leading into the valley. The teachers
taught us songs and told us stories about Jesus. I was delighted to take home the pictures we colored
to show to my family. Because of the frequent rains in Manoa, my family moved to the lower section
of the valley, which was drier. I continued to go to Sunday School wherever the church met. As I grew
older, and my friends no longer went to services, I dropped off too. But in the early ‘40s, Rev. Ernest
Fujinaga made a pastoral visit to my home and invited me to come back and I have been attending
services regularly since then.
Around 1960, new development in the valley brought many families with children and our Sunday
School enrollment totaled 300 or more students. During that time with Rev. Nelson Kwon as our pastor,
my husband and I helped with youth activities, like taking the children to summer camp, hiking, picnics,
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etc. Many of the ladies and men who were able, volunteered to serve as cooks, counselors, etc.
Because of Rev. Kwon’s love of music, the Girls’ Choir was formed and became well-known. I thank
God for the opportunity to accompany the choir as chaperone and cook on a tour of the Big Island and
Maui. The girls were welcomed warmly wherever they sang. We also went sight-seeing and had a great
time doing things together. These were memorable times for everyone, and even now, some of them
affectionately still call me “Mrs. K”.
Other ministers who served at MVC contributed and helped us to grow spiritually and to deepen our
faith in God by conducting Bible studies, prayer meetings, workshops, etc. Our present Senior Pastor is
Rev. Donald Asman. He has been serving the church for the past 17 years. He leads and guides us to
become the people God wants us to be.
God has been faithful and blessed us richly. May He continue to fill us with His love, that we may live
in harmony with one another. To God be the glory!
-- Betsy Komatsu
SUSHI MAKING
When we first started making sushi back in 1969-1970, it was Endo Obaachan (Grace Endo’s motherin-law) who helped in our infancy. She would use a big “hagama” rice pot that had to be set on a wood
burning stove outside of our Sunday School building. This was quite a feat and challenge because we
had to control the firewood used and watch it so the rice wouldn’t burn. However, we either had “koge”
(burnt) rice or half-cooked rice. We would sprinkle salt on the “koge” rice and it tasted so good. Needless
to say, we had a lot of wasted rice.
We owe a lot to Rose and Richard Sugai, who helped us with the vinegar sauce and preparing the
ingredients for the sushi. They did not have a set recipe, so they would put the vinegar in a large
container and add sugar and salt. They would add a little more of this and a little more of that until it
tasted just right. This went on for several years.
I started experimenting on my own to get the right measurements for the vinegar sauce. After many
trials and errors I came up with the present recipe we now use. However, the credit goes to Rose and
Richard, for the original recipe.
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Ben Tamashiro approached me one day and said that instead of having only a few ladies roll the sushi,
why not have an assembly line of helpers and get more ladies involved. To me, it was unheard of. I
envisioned all the fingers getting caught in between the rice and nori and going down the conveyor
belt. No way! But after much thought, I came to the conclusion that it might just work. After careful
planning, we tried it, and it was a huge success, not only in making sushi, but for the fun and fellowship
we enjoyed with our church family, as well as with friends who so willingly came and still come every
year to assist us. We extend our heartfelt thanks and love to them.
Over the years, we have sold countless rolls of sushi, which proves that we can be proud of our
accomplishment.
We shall never forget Endo “Obaachan” and Rose and Richard Sugai, the pioneers of our success. Our
eternal gratitude to them for the harvest we now reap. To our church family and many friends, and all
who gave and continue to give of their time and talent every year, thank you.
May the Lord continue to bless us in our future endeavors. Your Sister In Christ.
-- Jane Otake
(P .S. added by B. T. As sure as even before the last sushi was rolled, we used to hear from our steady
customers (firemen from across the street, for instance) about how some rolls were either too salty or
didn’t have any taste at all, while others were too fat or too skimpy (too much rice or not enough ot it),
or some such rightful objection; reasons why I suggested an assembly line operation - to even out the
process. I can still “hear” Jane’s startled objection to the idea: “Whoever heard of making sushi on an
assembly line basis!” But I haven’t heard a complaint since.)
RICH HERITAGE OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
Nineteen thirty-seven was a very significant year for me when I met a kind and caring Christian worker,
Mrs. Sumiye Yoshioka, from Manoa Mission.
At this particular time our family had just lost our dear mother. At 16 years of age and being the oldest
daughter, I was given the responsibility of caring for and meeting the needs of a large family, of which
two were very young: two and four years of age.
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There were difficult and trying times, but having a supportive father and two older brothers helped to
lighten the burden.
Through Mrs. Yoshioka’s encouragement I started to attend the Mission’s Sunday School. During
the week days the building was a busy place, serving the community with a baby clinic, kindergarten
classes, youth groups and various projects benefitting the people of the valley,
Manoa Mission with its humble beginnings with a limited number of members and resources, through
the years grew and finally evolved into a church - Manoa Valley Church. For 50 years the church has
continued to serve the community and the ever-expanding world-wide ministries.
I am deeply humbled and blessed with such a rich heritage of Christian love and caring spirit expressed
by all the pastors whom God placed in our midst, teaching, guiding and encouraging us to follow Jesus
and His teachings in our lives that more people will get to know Him.
My heartfelt Mahalo to Mrs. Sumiye Yoshioka, all of the pastors and each person in our church family
at Manoa Valley Church for being caring and supportive all through the years.
May God be glorified in our church’s ministry!
-- Thelma Izu
50th ANNIVERSARY FLASHBACK
It was in the early fall of 1982. We were gathered
together for our regular Sunday morning worship
service and I was lay leader that morning. Prior to
the beginning of the service, I had met Judy for the
first time and had surmised the special relationship
between her and Pastor Don.
She was a first time visitor and no one else knew of
their special relationship except me. I savoured the
situation and couldn’t contain myself. In due time
that morning I created the opportunity and “let that
cat out of the bag!” I told our congregation: “We
have a very important visitor in our midst, none other
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than the new girlfriend of our Senior Pastor, Don Asman. Will you please stand, Judy?”
It wasn’t too long after that the two became one and Manoa Valley Church became the richer for it.
Hallelujah!
-- S. Don Shimazu
FROM GYM TO HIGUCHI LIFE CENTER
The Rev. Hiro Higuchi Christian Life Center was
dedicated as such with a bronze plaque on August
23, 1992. Before that until August 31, 1991, it
was still incomplete and referred to mostly as
“The Gym.”
It was already substantially completed in 1966
except for the floor fill when my family and I joined Manoa Valley Church. The Rev. Higuchi knowing
me as an engineer zeroed-in on me to make me his assistant for completing the playing surface of The
Gym. At that time, the Gym floor was incomplete with a four-inch concrete slab built depressed about
four inches below the finish surface so that at all classroom doorways there was a four-inch drop from
the classroom floors. At the main entrance ramp from the breezeway, there was a temporary ramp
extension of wood to traverse the four-inch difference in floor elevations.
Rev. Higuchi from the beginning was thinking in terms of a first class floor which would be the best one
available for basketball and volleyball as well as for street shoes traffic. My searches all ended up in
floors that were too expensive. And so, the Gym floor project remained dormant for many years until
laws and ordinances were passed more recently which mandated good and safe accessibility into public
buildings for all handicapped people.
Faced with the need to do something to comply, The Board of Trustees under Chairman Kenneth Chun
began to study the possible options of removing the many obstacles to full accessibility. In due time in
1990, the decision was made and approved to fill the floor with concrete. The job, however, was not a
simple one although to the lay person it may have looked simple. Even if the project were to be done
with “all the time in the world,” it would still have been a very difficult one. The project preparation
and execution had to consider and accommodate the on-going program requirements of Manoa Valley
Church and Director Daryl Tawata which depended on the regular availability of the whole Gym
facility all year except for the one month of August. Those programs were and still are:
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1. The pre-school program
2. The after-school program
3. The summer-fun program
The job of Project Engineer fell to me. It was a difficult assignment which drew upon all of my knowledge
and experience in reinforced concrete design and construction because it entailed the interfacing of “an
irresistible force” with “an immovable object” all sitting on a bed of moisture-sensitive and expansive
soil. The existing conditions and the one-month “window of opportunity for construction” called for
the utmost care and control in design, specifications, drawings, and execution. One has but to see the
contract documents which controlled the project and other records to appreciate the meticulous” attention
to detail” which were brought to bear. The execution, too, was programmed in such a way that there
was no chance for error if the work were done in the step-by-step manner of the plans and specifications.
The best laid plans, however, can still go awry and usually do for very unexpected reasons; and the field
observation and inspection reports bear out those occurrences. Fortunately, the required emergency
attentions were available throughout the construction period with the designer always present.
Manoa Valley Church was fortunate, too, in having had S & M Sakamoto as General Contractor whose
sealed bid was for $92,500 with all labor and materials included and with no unanswered questions.
Their bid (one of three) was the only complete one, and they delivered a quality job on schedule. The
project was accomplished successfully against very difficult conditions and overwhelming odds. To God
alone be the glory!
-- S. Don Shimazu
ANNlVERSARY TESTIMONIAL
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from San Diego, California! To all
those worshipping at Manoa Valley Church:
Thank you very, very much for all your prayers for me and my family during this time that we are
preparing to go to the mission field to which the Lord has called us. He is good and faithful, and I praise
the Lord for how he has guided my life all the way from a young Sunday School student at Manoa Valley
until now, a missionary to the unreached Maguindanaon Muslims of the Philippines.
When my parents moved to Manoa in 1968 I started going to Manoa Valley Church Sunday School. I
was in the 5th grade and although I don’t remember much, I remember learning about Jesus and His love
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for us. In those early years, I remember teachers like Rose Uehara and my uncle Dan Fujikawa.
When I got to high school, I became more active with youth activities like camps and outings. I
remember teachers like Jack Pond and Wes Oba. My classmates were people like Jenny Tamashiro,
Sheryl Endo, and Gail Minami (we just had a 20th year high school reunion this year!). I made a
commitment to Christ after Wes Oba shared the “Four Spiritual Laws” in one of our Sunday School
classes, but I did not accept Christ right away; it was in the privacy of my own room one December
evening in 1975 that I prayed to accept Christ and began this incredible journey with Him.
During my college days, I became involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and was introduced
to the importance of World Missions. Through a generous scholarship from Manoa, I was able to attend
Urbana ‘79, IVCF’s triannual missions conference. It was there that I caught my vision for and desire
to be involved with missions. I was also able to attend a class on World Missions at the Bible Institute
of Hawaii, with Rev. Don Asman as my classmate, and it was a great encouragement to me to see my
pastor also catch the vision for missions at Manoa Valley Church.
In 1989, I went to Manila, the Philippines for a World Missions Conference, Lausanne II, and it was
there that the Lord specifically called me to the Philippines. When I returned to Hawaii, Manoa Valley
Church graciously affirmed my calling to missions and supported me with a scholarship to attend Asian
Theological Seminary in Manila from 1990-1995, where I obtained an M.Div. in Christian Education in
preparation for a missionary career.
I am very grateful for the foundational nurturing and spiritual maturing that Manoa Valley Church has
provided me during my high school and college (and young adult) years. My experiences at MVC, with
advising the youth, teaching Sunday School, and chairing the deacons (among many other things), have
given me the necessary skills which have helped prepare me for the missionary task to which the Lord
has called me.
On behalf of my wife, Heddy, and son, Yoshael-Reuben, we would like to thank you for standing with
us in prayers and resources as we return to the Philippines by the end of this month, to minister to the
still unreached Maguindanaon Muslims of the Southern Philippines. May the Lord continue to bless you
and may He be the one to receive all the glory. Amen!
Your Servant for His Glory,
-- Randall Fujikawa
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1985 - A NEW MODERATOR IS ELECTED
In October of 1985 I went to a retreat near Germantown, Maryland, led by the Wellspring mission group
of the Church of the Saviour. It was a memorable experience for me, because out of the ten participants
I was the only woman and the only one who was not an ordained minister! We talked about what it
means to be faithful as the Body of Christ. We spent time in silence; we were accountable to each other
in daily spiritual disciplines; and we worked together as a mission group, one day actually going into
Washington, D.C. to help with a project there.
Towards the end of the retreat we shared together what gifts of the Spirit we saw in one another. The
group encouraged me to use my gifts of music and teaching, and they said I might have the gift of
leadership later on.
While I was returning to Hawaii on the airplane on the last Sunday in October, the congregation at
Manoa Valley Church elected me moderator.
From then until December 31 I worried. Could I really do it? Maybe it was all a mistake. Maybe God
really wanted someone else to do it. Maybe I should stick to music. On New Year’s Eve I realized that
my term as moderator was about to begin. In desperation I prayed to the Lord.
“Lord, I don’t know if I can do it. I haven’t had enough experience. I’m not strong enough and I’m not
good enough.”
God seemed to speak right back to me. “That’s right. You’re not strong enough and you’re not good
enough but I will use you anyway... And I will be with you.”
I began my time as moderator with a new confidence - a confidence not in myself but in God. I found
strength in the words that God gave to Joshua in Joshua 1:9:
I hereby command you: Be strong and
courageous,’ do not be frightened or dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
And God was with me.
-- Charlotte Walters
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d
n
a
t
s
e
n
r naga
Rev. uEF
ji
Yas u
Rev. Hiro
Hisako H and
iguchi
=Rev.
Nelson
Kwon
Rev. Don
Adams D
39
Nelson Kwon’s Girls Choir
40
PART THREE - LOOSE ENDS
Soul of the Church
19. Church signs
Are you inclined to wonder about things like this? Well, one day my friend Bernard Akamine ventured
that he was probably the first one to be married at MVC, on November 30, 1946. The record bears him
out. Meanwhile, he had sent a note: “At the time, the church was in the middle of the cemetery. When
we met with Rev. Fujinaga to discuss the details of the ceremony, the most important thing on my mind
was, ‘How would our friends find the church?’ There was no sign identifying the church at all. So, it was
decided that part of my responsibility for the wedding would be to make a sign and build the standard
to hold it. As far as I know, it was the official church sign for a long time.”
The cemetery has not changed but the sign out front currently reads, “Manoa Valley Theater.” So what
else is new or different? Well, that’s what this piece is about: A wrap of leftovers from here, there, and
Dan Fujikawa’s TIMELINE.
Where and how to begin? Well, since Bernard and I, both veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion,
hold a common admiration for Rev. Higuchi - one who has made a lot of difference - that’s where I’ll
begin.
20. Rev. Higuchi. . . hero?
There was the time in the postwar period when he was the Chaplain of the
Army Reserve at Ft. DeRussy, the largest unit in the Reserve being the 100/442
Regimental Combat Team. One day, a new Army liaison officer from the
Mainland showed up at DeRussy on temporary assignment, the first tour of duty
in Hawaii for him. After completion of that brief tour, he came to our G4 Plans
office at Schofield. When he learned that I had also been with the l00th, he
couldn’t wait to tell me the story of the fabulous Chaplain Higuchi. “He must
have been some kind of hero in the war,” he began. “No one at DeRussy calls
him by his rank or title. They just call him ‘hero.’”
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“Well, yeah,” I said, smiling to myself, “He’s that kind of a guy all right but it’s not quite like that, sir.
You see, Hiro is his Japanese name,” and I spelled it out for him: “H-i ... r-o.”
Transfixed, he stared at me for a moment or two, turned, looked out the window seemingly at nothing
in particular, then busted out in laughter. I could only guess that he was laughing at himself. That’s how
it was.
. . . Steamroller?
Can anyone come to love a steamroller, that intimidating overweight piece of chunky metal? Rev.
Higuchi did, once he got the hang of operating the one used to tamp down the dirt in the church parking
lot, driving it all around the lot at every free moment he had. Yoshi Azuma had made arrangements with
the building company he worked for to leave the monster on the church grounds for use by the Reverend.
The big machine was like a toy to him; he seemed happiest when riding high atop the clanking, rolling
behemoth. In retrospect though, all this must have been in preparation for something. Because when the
sanctuary was built, Higuchi was about the only one who liked to preach from the high elevated pulpit;
all others choosing to preach either from the layman’s lectern at the lower level or, as Rev. Asman does
today, from up front close to the congregation.
. . . Legend?
His funeral service in November ‘81 was held in Central Union Church because Manoa was too small to
accommodate the anticipated assemblage. I was in charge of the ushers so my post was at the entrance.
People were standing there tight as sardines. The service had been in progress for some time when one
last vehicle pulled up and out stepped a small, frail-looking Filipino woman. I walked down the steps to
meet her and to tell the driver that he would have to find his own parking. As I walked her up the steps,
explaining that there was no more room in the sanctuary, she said she was from Waipahu, apologized for
being late, but couldn’t come earlier because she had been working. But she had to come. She passed
me an envelope.
I thought to myself: Here is the personification of all that Hiro Higuchi meant to people - the kind of
love we think of in terms of Christ himself. Reflecting on the notion, I found myself pushing the standees
aside until I could get her inside the sanctuary where she belonged.
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21. Monday Men
They met on Monday mornings, this unofficial
body of about a dozen or so retirees. It came
about because of the many things which needed
to be taken care of in and around the church
after the completion of its building program.
No mission statement, no bylaws, no dues; just
a willingness to work. And Kenneth Chun
as unofficial president through the years of its
existence. But out of that came such things as
planning and running Christmas programs for
the Sunday School, collection of empty Primo
beer bottles (44 cents per case), participation in
the Hawaii Meals On Wheels program, start of a
church-wide program to collect old newspapers
(this eventually led to the collection of aluminum cans, a project which continues today under the Youth
Program), initiation of the annual “Friday Walk” program in commemoration of Easter (a program
which has been taken over by MISO - Manoa Interchurch Service and Outreach), all the while keeping
the grounds mowed and plants trimmed. But it was not all work. The mornings usually began with a
brief service in the sanctuary with prayer, Bible study, and other readings or discussions. Prior to its
formation, there was the UCC-wide Men’s Fellowship but it petered out for lack of inter-church, interisland participation.
22. Men/Women Fellowships
The ‘70s was a time when a lot of things we take for granted today were getting started: The huli-huli
chicken-sushi sales; Harvest Fair; Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations; Youth Ministry projects.
And remember “CCA, all the way!” - the project to collect can labels? Marge Jacroux was one of the
pushers on this. It was a time when the men even had a telephone call system to ensure that all men
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became involved in the ongoing functions, more so as helpers to the women in their projects.
ART
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I had asked my 7-year-old grandson, Egan, to draw me a picture - not
the usual of turkeys and tables loaded with food but something reflecting an inner feeling. “What?” he
responded. “Well, where do all these good things come from? . . . God . . . now there’s a thought.”
“But I’ve never seen God,” he said. “I don’t know what he looks like.”
My mind clicked to that Sunday morning service at Kalahikiola Church in Kohala back in the early
‘70s, to a line in a sermon I’ve never forgotten. I was on the UCC Stewardship Committee then and had
accompanied Dr. Chet Terpstra, Conference Minister, on a mission to the Big Island. The topic of the
sermon by Rev. Don Blanchette was on the responsibilities of Christians and he closed on this poetic
note: “Dear Lord, swish me gently in the wine of your compassion.” That was the image that dropped in
on me at this particular moment. I tried to convey it to Egan but it didn’t take. I have hopes, however,
that the drawing I’m looking for will come some day.
23. Budget Crackers
Clarence Taba, our perennial treasurer, passed along some comparative numbers concerning our annual
budgets and some cost data about our building program. Hang on tight, they might surprise you, for
it seemed like only yesterday that Jean Takaki had sent a “thank you” letter to Central Union Church
for its generosity of spirit in picking up the monthly tab of $30 for the rental of the Kawaiahao Church
apana. She had also expressed the hope that the church could be self-supporting thereafter.
If today’s budget numbers mean anything, they reflect that hope. For instance, in the twenty years from
1972 to 1992, the budget ballooned from $46,000 to $261,000. Three years later, it climbed still further,
to $307,000. And the proposal for 1997 is $345,000.
24. The Building Program
The total cost of the building program came to $502,724: Land purchase 3.2 acres, $149,151; building
the sanctuary and the gym $353,573. Our final mortgage for $200,000 with First Hawaiian Bank in
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1965 was paid off in 1978. Current market values of those assets: Insurable buildings $1,700,000; land
$3,500,000; total $5,200,000.
OF LAVA ROCKS AND FANCY SWIRLS
The four cornerstones of the sanctuary are built of lava rock, in itself not unusual. But what makes it
so is that they were dug out from the mountainside property of Hirotoshi Yamamoto in Waianae by
our men and hauled here to Manoa in their own trucks over several weekends at the start of the building
program. Picture this if you will: men working their way up the hillside like billygoats, then digging
with crowbars and prying out these pieces of lava rock and rolling them down the hillside, to be loaded
onto the trucks. This is just one of the many, many tasks accomplished by ourselves, giving the project
a palpable do-it-yourself reality: Every member of the church, male and female, a contributing member
over the two-year span of the building program. Then there were the contributions of countless friends,
including the artisans from the Mormon Church in Salt Lake who spent one weekend putting the swirls
on the concrete finish fronting the Huapala Street side of the church. This touch of class complements
and enhances the beauty of the stained glass window.
A BUILDING AS A MEMORIAL
Every member of the church. . . we’ll just cite a few names as representative of the whole. Providing
the will and the leadership - Rev. Higuchi, Hirotoshi Yamamoto and Colman Izu, the contractor.
And the many craftsmen and volunteers, to name but a few - Yoshiji Aoki, Yoshi Azuma, Kenneth
Chun, Charles Honda, Tad Izutsu, George Jacroux, Robert Komatsu, Earl Krankenberg, Masaru
Murakami, Spike Nakayama, George Okada, Gene Renard, Henry Uehara. Then there were the
women who labored in the kitchen and helped in every possible way. Treasure those times, all of you,
for the building stands as a memorial to your devotion and faith.
AND THE CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION
Our secretaries. We all know Catherine Miyahira, inasmuch as she’s our current secretary, manning
the office since July 1991. Before her?
Our first secretaries were, in order, Betsy Komatsu, Patricia Kam and Jean Takaki. Then came
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Margaret Toshi, who was in that position for over 26 years; she says she’s lost track of time.
She was followed by Donna Pacheco. Then Patsy Okuda came to serve us for over ten years, from
March 1979 to August 1989. She was followed by Crystal Lancaster and Deana Harrington. Then
Catherine.
Assisting her in the office is Myra Kusunoki, as account clerk. Then, there is also Francisco Ganibi,
as custodian; he is from the Philippines, and has been with us since December 1984.
Child Care Mildred Sueoka held the first vice-principal position for over seventeen years, from 1948 to
‘65; followed by Betty Okutani through ‘72. Then for the next seven years, directors were: Joy Atai,
Rose Uehara and Bliss Kojima. Then Trudy Morikawa served for fourteen years, through ‘93. She
was followed by Daryl Tawata, our current Child Care Director, who also coordinates the preschool,
after-school and summer fun programs.
Youth Workers This position has been occupied off-and-on since it was first filled by Cheri Arita in
1970. She served for one year, and was followed by Rev. Alan Weaver and Randy Furushima through
‘78. Then came Alan Maeno and Norman Chock as interim youth workers, through ‘86. There was a
break for over four years, then Richard Ross and Debby Shiroma (Ross) filled the position for a little
over a year through the end of 1990. Then another break of six years until Shino Kuroda in July ‘96
to present.
Boy Scout Troop 11 There is an old Chinese proverb which reads: “If there is light in the soul, There
will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, There will be harmony in the house. If
there is harmony in the house, There will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, There will
be peace in the world.” It brings to mind the organization of Boy Scouts whose primary objective is to
teach boys to become good citizens and train them to become leaders. And it may come as a surprise
to many to hear that MVC sponsored a troop, Scout Troop 11, Aloha Council, during the years 1957
through ‘73.
Executive officers were Rev. Nelson Kwon, Rev. Donald Adams, Rev. Hiro Higuchi and Rev. Michio
Oyakawa. Scoutmasters were Ralph Inouye, Harry Kaneta, Richard Sugai, Gilbert Kawamae,
Albert Kam and Ben Lum. Many church members assisted the scoutmasters by serving as institutional
representatives or committee chairmen.
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PART FOUR - NEXT SEVENTY-FIVE
Keep On Being Faithful
25. A Word About Rev. Asman
He was born 62 years ago in Middletown, Connecticut; a graduate of the Hartford Theological
Seminary, he was ordained at the First Congregational Church in Wallingford in 1960.
Photo opposite - c. 1950
Don Asman as a
member of Lyman HS
Band, Wallingford
(cannot recall person
standing next to him).
He says he was a key
player in the Frnch
Horn section.
(Middletown, Hartford and Wallingford are cities spotted around
the mid-section of the state. Not too far distant in the northwest
direction is Cornwall, the place where Henry Opukahaia came to
when he fled from Kealakekua Bay; and the place from where the
Congregationalist missionaries departed for Hawaii in 1819.)
He then moved to the Black Hills region of S. Dakota where he
rode horses - and learned to kill rattlesnakes. After fourteen years
serving churches in Hermosa, Alcester and Rapid City, he moved
to Minnesota where he served the Chapel Hills UCC in Edina for
six years. During the summer he first came to Hawaii on a summer
pulpit exchange at Koloa Union Church on Kauai.
He began his service with Manoa Valley Church on June 1, 1979,
and has been with us since. A testament to the effectiveness of his ministry is the Certificate of
Dedication which was presented to him six years ago. It is reproduced in the appendix.
26. Of Omar and Hyakutake
Awake! For Morning in the Bowl of Night
Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight.
And lot the Hunter of the East has caught
The Sultan’s Turret in a Noose of Light.
So begins the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. And the wisdom and passion of the tenth-century
Persian poet and astronomer is echoed in our delight as we hopped, skipped and jumped our
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way through the run of seven-and-a-half decades in the life of our church, following the “lightning
marks” left by the early missionaries and missions people in the underbrush of their passage through the
fields of yesterday.
Now, as we come down to the present, we turn our eyes from that underbrush to something beyond - to
the future, as in the wonder of the little girl who asked of her father: “If the sky is so beautiful from
down here, I wonder what it looks like from the other side.”
That observation is reflected in Associate Pastor Beth Plumbo’s piece, “Youth Program Highlights,” in
which she tells of the spring break of 1996 during which the youths were camping at the beach on Lanai
. . . “an idyllic time, including the cosmic coincidence that Comet Hyakutake which crossed the heavens
in March was in full view during our camping experience.” It’s an encounter likened in the mind’s eye
to “the Bowl of Night. . . the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight.”
But alas! whatever pleasures we may have derived from this encounter will be fleeting since Hyakutake
is destined to be voyaging in the endless sky of the little girl’s wonder, not to be back for another 14,000
years.
Not to worry, for our own future is just around the corner. Behind us, that time of church-building
illustrated by the photograph on the back cover and the string of impressions posited throughout this
volume. They confirm what the early builders of churches had in mind - a building that could present
an image of heaven for its worshippers.
And on the inside back cover - Shelly Hamada’s affirmation on the enduring nature of Christ our
Lord:
Jesus died on the cross for me and you.
He’s alive and makes things new.
Her scrawl is in the usual large letters of a child laboriously penciled on paper. She’s a kindergartner
in our Sunday School; the students had been encouraged to draw a picture, write a poem, tell a story or
make a poster in conjunction with our 50th anniversary celebration.
“Makes things new.” Now there’s an idea which in itself is new. It reminds us that beyond knowledge
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it is ideals and convictions that move the world. As Rev. Higuchi used to tell us, one doesn’t become a
Christian by “learning” about religion; rather, one “catches” it, like a butterfly. Or, it catches you. It’s
intriguing just trying to figure out what he meant by it.
Which gives us the moment to bring this extended tour de force to a close and pass the baton over to
Rev. Asman for his prognostication of the bright new things in store for us in the morrow.
27. Looking To The Future - Pastor Don
What has God in store for us as we look into the future? Here is an imaginative look at what might be
happening in the years ahead:
When people arrive on the campus, they are greeted with a beautiful banner, with the
inscription: “Sharing God’s Love”; an information kiosk helps them to ask questions and
find answers.
Each night of the week there are home gatherings for fellowship, bible study, prayer, and
mutual support; everyone in the church has a small group within which they can grow
in Christ.
Our music program includes the Nu Oli Singers, a bell choir, a gospel hula group, and
six different praise teams, with full instrumentation, to lead in the variety of services.
On Tuesday mornings, our regular gathering of seniors for fun and fellowship takes
place.
Every Wednesday evening we have an “All-Church Night”, beginning with a potluck
meal, followed by Bible Study Classes, support groups, prayer groups, and special
activities for children of all ages.
On Friday evenings, there’s another potluck meal after folks pick up their pre-school
and after-school kids, with a brief devotional service before the meal, and some family
games after the meal.
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Our child care ministries have increased; we now have a full-time family counselor on
our staff.
The youth and young adults have regular gatherings on the weekends for a variety of
events.
On a particular Saturday, there’s a mini-retreat with all those from our church who
have been sent into the mission field, to learn about and pray for their mission efforts in
Japan, India, the Philippines, and the mainland. This is a time when we will encourage
people in our church family to think about going into the mission field, and recruit
people for outreach projects in these areas.
On Saturday evening, we have a 6:00 p.m. service, with outstanding, joyful, celebrative
worship, a mini-drama by the MVC players, an inspiring, relevant message, and good
fellowship and food afterwards, with an opportunity for people to learn about the
different programs our church offers, through displays in the breezeway and gym. This
service is oriented particularly to seekers and newcomers.
On Sunday mornings, our three services at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. are
reaching many with the love of Christ, and the Sunday Classes held at 9:00 and 10:30
a.m. deepen the spiritual journey of many.
Every Sunday afternoon a packet of information is dropped off by a visitation team at
the homes of those who visited church in the morning.
Once a month we have an orientation session to share the bases of the faith, and to talk
about our church. We celebrate the sacrament of baptism every month, as we receive
new members into the body of Christ.
Prayer groups are abounding. “Prayer Walks” in the various areas of Manoa Valley and
Honolulu are being held on a regular basis. Prayers for healing are an integral part of
all of our worship services.
The new church start which we initiated in Kapolei, with four other congregations, is
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thriving.
Our outreach ministries are flourishing, with a special focus on the homeless.
Once a year we have a gathering to celebrate those who have gone into full-time Christian
service from our congregation.
In the summer and during the holidays, we have a variety of events to reach out to
the community: plays by the Manoa Valley Church players, line dancing, game times,
creative workshops, and celebrations of life.
Our health ministry, where people are trained to reach out to the ill, elderly, and shutins, continues to touch many lives.
People feel very comfortable in sharing their faith with friends, relatives, associates,
and neighbors, which accounts for our membership doubling in the past year.
Our pastoral staff has increased to include the Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Pastor for
Evangelism, Pastor for Music and Worship, Pastor for Small Groups, Pastor for Youth
and Young Adults, Pastor for Prayer Ministry, and Pastor for Mission. Some of these
latter positions are lay volunteer or part-time.
Only God knows what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. May we look forward to
tomorrow with great anticipation. When we listen to God’s voice, see God’s vision, and are empowered
by God’s Spirit, miracles can happen!
To God alone be the glory! Jesus Christ is Lord of this church!
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APPENDICES
A. Mission Statement
B. Timeline
C. 50th Anniversary Program
D. “There’s A Church In The Valley”
E. Membership Roster 1997
F. Certificate of Dedication
54
A. Mission statement
MANOA VALLEY CHURCH
We
believe that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is calling us to obey the
commandments to love God and our neighbor, and to make disciples in His name.
Therefore, it is our purpose to provide ways through which the people of Manoa
Valley and Honolulu can know Christ and make Christ known.
To accomplish this we will equip people through:
joyful, Christ-centered worship
networks of caring and fellowship
opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship training
We will reach out to the world through:
evangelistic efforts to share the gospel in word and deed with friends, relatives,
associates, and neighbors
programs of service to touch areas of human need with the love of Christ
support of mission efforts throughout the world.
To God alone be the glory!
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B. Timeline
By Dan Fujikawa
1917
Ladies of Central Union Church formed sewing groups of Chinese and Hawaiian women in the valley.
Sunday evening song services were added later.
1922
The Manoa Mission was started in September by the Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands at the old Manoa School (now the fire station).
The Honolulu Board of Supervisors granted permission for use of two rooms at Manoa School, which
was then located in the block bound by East Manoa Road and Huapala Street. (The fire station is
now at the corner of that property.)
Miss Neva Young was employed to work in Moiliili and Manoa.
1923
Mrs. F. O. Wilkins came in the summer to continue this work, visiting families, building up the Sunday
School enrollment to 209, and organizing two girls’ clubs.
1926
Miss Elva Robertson succeeded Mrs. Wilkins.
1927
A chapel was erected in upper Manoa during the summer, at 3488 Manoa Road, where the Woman’s
Board leased land from Bishop Estate. Farmers in the area pitched in and erected the mission
building. Kindergarten and Sunday School classes were held there.
Mission work in both lower and upper Manoa continued to grow.
1928
Miss Eva Mitchel, principal of Manoa School, took an active part in teaching Sunday School classes and
took over the half-time work in lower Manoa while Mrs. Ella Sargent was on leave.
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1929
Miss Clara Shinoda was full-time worker in upper Manoa.
1930
At the request of parents, a daily kindergarten was started in upper Manoa in February.
1931
Miss Sumiye Yamamura succeeded Miss Shinoda. A Baby Clinic was established in January. The Manoa
Flower Growers’ Association asked to use the building for their monthly meetings.
The pastor from Nuuanu Japanese Church led Saturday evening meetings.
A Young Men’s Club, Girls’ Clubs, and a Sunday Evening Discussion Group for young people were
organized.
1933
Mrs. Yoshioka (nee Yamamura) opened a second kindergarten in lower Manoa at the Young Men’s
Association building recreation hall (now Safeway parking lot).
1934
Volunteers from Mid-Pacific Institute and women of Central Union Church assisted in the extended
program. Sunday School in lower Manoa grew to an average attendance of 350 children, with 14
teachers and three superintendents.
A Christmas pageant was presented at the Manoa School.
1940
Mrs. Yoshioka resigned after nine years of great progress.
Rev. Ernest Fujinaga was called in the summer to become the first full-time minister.
The chapel in upper Manoa was renovated and remodeled as a parsonage and mission center.
Regular church services were introduced.
1942
The Mission Center was a busy center for War Bond sales, blood donations, gasoline rationing, Red
Cross sewing classes, 4-H club work, a health clinic, and the organization of the farmers’ Volunteer
Labor Battalion.
Manoa Heiwa Gakuen (Japanese language school) turned over 30,000 sq. ft. of property at 2728 Huapala
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St. to Manoa Mission. This gift was entrusted to Central Union Church.
“The property will form the basis of future expansion of the church. In time, it will be converted to a
Community Center for the entire valley, with a church building, activities building, a library and
reading rooms, a model kitchen, a gymnasium, a work shop, etc. The Center will be so designed
as to include all ages.”
Church in the graveyard. The old Hawaiian Church building on East Manoa Road was rented from
Kawaiahao Church (now Manoa Valley Theatre) from 1942 to December 1966.
1943
Mrs. George Yaeger came in September from Central Union Preschool to take charge of the kindergarten,
which was housed in some buildings back of the Peewee Store. The children attended from 8:30
in the morning to 2:30 in the afternoon.
1945
The property at 2728 Huapala Street, used by the Office of Civilian Defense during the war, was released
to the Manoa Mission in the fall of 1945. The kindergarten and other Mission activities moved in
and used the buildings.
A church committee was organized under the guidance of their sponsor, the Women’s League of Central
Union Church.
1946
Manoa Valley Church was organized on November 24 with a membership of 17.
“The youngest church in the Territory. . . the biggest local missionary project of Central Union
Church.”
1947
A flourishing kindergarten with Mrs. Marie Yaeger as principal and five full-time assistants and
teachers. Enrollment, 88 children. Approximately 150 children enrolled in Sunday School,
kindergarten through the 6th grade. Forty-six high school students enrolled in Junior Worship
group. Approximately 30 young people attend Young People’s worship services. Other groups:
Religious Education class, University Extension Club, 4-H club.
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1951
The new church slowly became more self-supporting. It assumed responsibility for the pastor’s salary
and expenses.
The kindergarten reached a peak enrollment of 114 children.
Financial aid from the Women’s League, from Central Union Church, and from the Hawaiian Evangelical
Association continued.
1952
Kindergarten enrollment was 114, with a faculty of six teachers. The Sunday School enrollment was
200, with a weekly attendance of 150.
1954
Rev. Nelson Kwon was called to be pastor of the church.
1956
Manoa Mission was incorporated in March to become Manoa Valley Church, enabling it to hold title to
property.
1957
The congregation constructed an education building on the Huapala Street property for kindergarten and
Sunday School classes.
1958
Transfer of Japanese school property to the church, now that Manoa Valley Church has been
incorporated.
1959
A series of fund drives was begun. An estimated $200,000 will be required to complete all the units in
the church building--the sanctuary, the administration building, and the classroom-gymnasium
complex.
Manoa Valley Church became completely self-supporting.
The adjoining land at 2728 Huapala St., comprising 45,000 sq.ft., was purchased from Magoon Estate
at a cost of $97,904. The total land area of the church is now 74,924 sq.ft. This property is
commonly referred to as The Annex, where the new church buildings will rise.
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Loan of $200,000 from First National Bank in August, at 6%.
Fund Drive goals: 1959-1962 (3 years)
1963-1964 (1 year) $46,000
1961
Church membership increased to 108. Sunday School enrollment 370.
1962
Rev. Donald Adams succeeded Rev. Kwon in September.
1963
The church carried on a drive for pledges to be paid off over a one-year period to payoff the mortgage
on the land purchased.
1964
Membership is 85.
Rev. Hiro Higuchi came to serve in October.
The church initiated a new drive to begin construction of the long-planned sanctuary-gymnasiumclassroom complex. There were 271 pledges, totaling $40,000.
1965
First annual fund-raising luau, July 3.
“The chapel will rise on the grounds where you are presently seated for this luau. Actual construction
will begin shortly. . .”
Membership is 107; Sunday School 300.
Ground-breaking ceremonies, July 25.
The gymnasium will be completed in September 1966 and so the church will move to Huapala Street
then.
1966
In the spring, two worship services were held within the open framework of the gymnasium.
Canvass Sunday, May 22. “At noon, all canvassers for the Building Fund Drive will meet at The Annex
for luncheon and a short briefing session. Fund drive is from 1:30-5:00 p.m.”
Second annual fund-raising luau, July 2.
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The gymnasium and classrooms have been completed. The sanctuary is scheduled for completion in
mid-1967.
The church moved from the graveyard to The Annex for all of its activities.
We have grown to 120 members and we are still growing. We have 300 students in Sunday School.
“The ideal of the Woman’s Board of Missions in first starting Christian work in Manoa is nearing
fruition. The exciting vision of serving the needs of the whole valley, with the church as a center
of Christian community activity, inspires members and friends of the Manoa Valley Church to
renewed dedication of purpose.”
“The church membership has become increasingly inter-racial in character. . . It is the goal of the
congregation and the pastor that this cosmopolitan trend in church membership continue to grow
and reflect the diverse ethnic background of the Manoa Valley community that the church seeks
to serve.”
1967
Service of dedication of sanctuary and education building, August 6. Loan of $40,000 in June from
Manoa Realty Co. Wong and Wong are the architects. Our new church will seat 200, and an additional
room for 50 more, when necessary.
Total cost of the building program, including land, $396,000.
Stained glass window, 35 feet high. Designed by Erica Karawina, and executed by the Cummings
Studios in California.
Building fund drive 1970-72 goal $61,000.
1968
Fourth annual fund-raising luau, July 4.
1970
Retirement of Hiro Higuchi from active ministry.
Sixth annual fund-raising luau, July 11.
1971
Rev. Michio Oyakawa took over the ministry.
Michio & Helen OyakawaD
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1972
Celebration of 50th anniversary of Manoa Mission, November 19.
1975
After School Care program began.
1976
Celebration June 11: Conclusion of biennial building fund drive.
Fund drive goals: 1964-66
$ 40,000
1966-68
46,000
1968-70
53,000
1970-72
61,000 $200,000
1977
Hiro Higuchi’s 70th birthday celebration, February 5.
1978
Church cottage completed Dec. 16. Newsletter initiated.
Inter-Church breakfast fellowship.
Church Handbook being compiled.
Randy Furushima, Youth Minister/CE Director, terminated services.
Ginny Lum appointed Christian Education Director.
Alan Maeno appointed Youth Worker.
Sunday School enrollment: 125.
Preschool became year-round program from September.
Updated position description for Building Custodian/Groundskeeper.
Monday Men organized.
First Christmas dinner by Monday Men.
1979
Rev. Donald Asman called to serve as pastor.
Summer Fun program started.
Joined Meals On Wheels program.
Summer Specials initiated.
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1980
Final payment made on mortgage, March 25.
Mortgage-burning luau, August 16.
Wes Oba sent as independent missionary to Japan.
Youth Council organized.
Participated in “Peanut Butter Ministry”.
1981
Wendell Chang called as Associate Pastor for Christian Nurture.
Rev. Hiro Higuchi died.
Special Nursery Project (child care during morning service)
Children’s Moments in worship service.
1982
Celebration of Life service for Hiro Higuchi, January 31.
New church sign installed.
Monday Women organized.
East Honolulu flock organized.
1983
New green roof on sanctuary.
New chain link fence around preschool playyard.
“The Rainbow Connection” succeeds the Newsletter.
New public address system for sanctuary.
Young Adults group organized.
1984
Full-time custodian Francisco Ganibi hired.
Meals On Wheels office established in gym on 2nd floor.
Building maintenance fund (5 years) approved.
1985
Upper Room and associate pastor’s office completed.
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Rev. Chang terminated services in June.
Daryl Tawata heads After School Care and Summer Fun programs.
1986
Alan Maeno joined church as Youth Director-Resource Person For Christian Nurture.
Library “On Wheels” established and kept in sanctuary.
Young Marrieds group is formed.
John Sommers-Harris supported as missionary.
1987
Church office renovated; new computer installed.
Wedding Vows Renewal Service initiated.
1988
Mission Statement adopted.
Personnel Committee organized.
Church in Society Committee re-activated.
Became a covenant church with Hawaii Habitat for Humanity.
Praise hymn books purchased.
Pew cushions installed.
New piano purchased.
1989
Full-time status for Director for the After School Care and Summer Fun programs.
1990
New 5-year Building Fund budget adopted.
New public address system for sanctuary.
Approved support for Randall Fujikawa.
Oberammergau Europe Trip.
1991
Established Music Director position.
Gymnasium floor raised to proper height.
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Newspaper advertising of our Sunday services.
Two-service Sunday morning format initiated.
New roof for sanctuary.
1992
Dedication of Rev. Hiro Higuchi Christian Life Center.
Hurricane lniki Relief project.
Nu Oli Singers assume a name.
Shepherd-Flock caring network program initiated.
First Israel trip.
Hurricane Iniki Respite - “Christmas in Waimea”
1993
Adopted long-range plan.
300 new folding chairs purchased.
Fluorescent lights changed to metal halide lights in gym.
New playground equipment installed.
The Family Circle held planning meeting.
Marriage Enrichment program continued.
New name tags were prepared.
Two-service format approved, except for summer months and special family worship services.
1994
Pastoral Search Committee formed.
Hurricane Iniki Respite - “Christmas in Waimea” Fathers in Training group.
Sound system in sanctuary upgraded.
1995
Associate Pastor Beth Plumbo.
Kitchen renovation.
Lay Associate Charlotte Walters. Total church membership: 287
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Summary of programs and activities:
Preschool - 40 enrolled; After School Care - 64 enrolled; Summer Fun - 129 enrolled
Sunday School; High School Group Grad Bash
Youth’s Mission Trip to California
School of Christian Living - adult education
FLAME (Family Life and Marriage Enrichment)
“Great Escape” Date Night for parents.
Family Circle
Lifestyle Discipleship - a one-on-one program
Lenten Lighthouse Fellowships
Children’s Moments during Sunday worship ; Gospel Hula Troupe
MVC Library “on wheels”
Annual Vow Renewal Ceremony
Worship Committee Retreat
Child Care Program
Two worship services on Sundays; except one service each Sunday in the summer, and one
for Thanksgiving and one for Easter.
All-Church Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in
Need, The Christmas Fund.
Easter Sunrise Service
Baptism at Ala Moana Magic Island
Wednesday morning and evening prayer groups
Evangelism Spiritual Growth Workshop
Visits by overseas missionaries: Mary McVicker, and Randall and Heddy Fujikawa
Church in Society: MISO Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Hale Hoomaka Na Wahine
Second Israel trip
Thanksgiving Sunday potluck and 59 gift baskets for distribution
MISO (Manoa Interchurch Service Organization) fund-raiser
25th Annual Harvest Fair
1996
50th ANNIVERSARY OF INCORPORATION
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C. 50th Anniversary program
MANOA VALLEY CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY
November 17,1996
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Ballroom
Social Hour and Viewing Exhibits
Welcome
Invocation
Dinner
Darrel Oniwa
Rev. Beth Plumbo
Dinner music by
Dora Ah Chan
Program:
Introduction of guests
Words of welcome from UCC
Rev. Carole Keim
Manoa Valley Church before 1946
Ben Tamashiro
Founding of Manoa Valley Church in 1946
Dan Fujikawa
Presentation of charter members:
Yasu Fujinaga, Thelma Izu, Betsy Komatsu, Jean Takaki,
Hirotoshi Yamamoto
Hymn: “There’s a Church in the Valley”
Charlotte Walters
(Verses 1-4)
The 1950’s
Rev. Nelson Kwon
Director
Regina Tamashiro, Pianist
Church Building Period
Kenneth Chun
Youth Program
Rev. Beth Plumbo
Youth Presentation
Family Ministries Program
Child Care Ministries
Hymn: “There’s a Church in the Valley”
Charlotte Walters
(Verses 5-8)
Gospel Hula
The Future
Rev. Don Asman
50th Anniversary Women’s Choir
Rev. Nelson Kwon
Director
Grace Kwon, Pianist
Closing Words
Ron Hashiro
Song: “Hawaii Aloha”
Benediction
Rev. Don Asman
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D. “There’s a Church in the valley. . .”
By Dr. William S. Pitts, 1865
Words by Charlotte Walters, 1996
1.
2.
3.
4.
There’s a church in the valley in Manoa;
There’s a spirit of joy and of prayer.
There’s a Lord in the midst of His people,
And it’s God’s gracious love that we share.
5.
There’s a Preschool at the church in Manoa,
And there’s also an After School Care,
With the kids singing songs about Jesus,
And they say that it’s cool to be there.
CHORUS:
O come, come, come, come,
Come to the church in Manoa;
Come worship and sing songs of praise.
Try the love and peace that the Lord can give;
Be a part of the family of faith.
6.
In the church in the valley there’s a youth group,
And the Lord’s got them all on the go.
After Christmas they’re off to Urbana,
Then a mission in old Mexico.
7.
There is pain in the valley in Manoa;
There are people who don’t know the Lord.
And so God calls us all to reach out our hands,
Meeting needs, sharing love and God’s word.
8.
Fifty years in the valley we’ve been faithful;
Fifty years God has shown us His grace;
And we mean to keep on being faithful
‘Til we see our dear Lord face to face.
In the church in the valley there’s a choir
That sings like the angels above.
We call them the Nu Oli Singers
For they sing the good news of God’s love.
Serving God in the valley in Manoa
There’s a Board of Trustees working hard,
Keeping up with the budget and buildings,
And they trim all the trees in the year.
(Note: Original music title The Church In The
Wildwood; four verses and chorus, words and
music by Dr. William S. Pitts.)
Praise the Lord, in the valley there are deacons
Who take care of the shepherds and flocks.
That’s the way that we care for God’s people
So that nobody falls through the cracks.
68
ABE, EDITH
E.
Membership
1997
ABE, KENNETH E
AKIONA, ROLAND
AKIONA, TERRI-LYNN
ALARCON, ROSE I
AOKI, BETTY K
AOKI, YOSHIJI
ARAKI, MABEL
ARASHIRO, MABEL
ARCHULETA, GARY
ARCHULETA, RAEDEEN
ARCHULETA, RENEE
ARITA, MILDRED M
ASAO, JANET E
ASMAN, DONALD R
ASMAN, JUDITH U
BACON, DEBBIE A
BODDEN, WAYNE
BRADLEY, MARK K
BROWNING, SAM
CHANG, HAROLD H
CHANG, MARILYN
CHINEN, THEODORE
CHING, RONALD M
CHING-BROUWERS, GERALD M
CHING-BROUWERS, MELANIE
CHOCK, MILLIE M
CHOY, DEXTER
CHOY, LUCILLE C
CHUN, ALICE S
CHUN, JAQUELINE
CHUN, KIM A
CHUN, MARILYN Y
COUCH, ALICE H
CUP CHOY, EDWARD
ENDO, DOROTHY H
ENDO, GRACE
ENDO, JEAN S
ENDO, WALLACE K
FERREIRA, FRANCIS K
FERREIRA, MARY JANE
FUJIKAWA, AIKO
FUJIKAWA, DANIEL
FUJIKAWA, RANDALL
FUJIKAWA, TAKEO
FUJIKAWA, YUKIMI
FUJINAGA, YASU
FUJIYOSHI, DONALD H
FUJIYOSHI, LILY
FUKUNAGA, HAROLD K
FUKUNAGA, JANE H
FUNASAKI, GERALD
FUNASAKI, JOANNE
GALLAGHER, EVELYN
GUERRA, LINDA
GUERRA, PORFIRIO
HAIOKA, ANN K
HAMADA, DAWN T
HAMADA, GERALD
HAMADA, KAREN H
HAMADA, KELVIN K
HAMAO, DEBBIE N
HASHIRO, RONALD I
HATA, MARION
HAYASHI, FLORENCE S
HIGA, CHERYL
HIGA, KURT
HIGA, MARY M
HIGA, NANCY
HIGA, WILFRED
HIRAO, DAVID S
HIRAOKA, JOHN
HIRAOKA, RUTH
HIRAOKA, WILLIAM T
HIROTSU, AGNES E
HOKADA, FRED
HOKADA, GRACE
HONDA, FLORENCE K
HORINOUCHI, JANET M
IMAI, PATRICIA L
IREIJO, DOROTHY
ISHIDA, DIANNE N
ISHII, MAMORU
IWAI, TIFFANY S
IZU, COLEMAN J
IZU, THELMA C
IZUMOTO, BRYAN
IZUMOTO, MONA
IZUTSU, LISA
IZUTSU, NOBUE
IZUTSU, SATSUKI
IZUTSU, TADAMI
KAJIMURA, LORI
KAJIMURA, RAY
69
KANDA, LAURA A
KANEHIRO, MATSUYO
KASAMOTO, JOCELYN
KASAMOTO, MICHAEL
KATEKARU, CLARA I
KATEKARU, RAY T
KAWACHI, LAUREN
KAWAHARA, HATSUKO F
KAWAMAE, ESTHER M
KAWAMOTO, CHERIE MAE
KAWAMOTO, NORMAN
KEITH, KENT
KIKUTA, EVELYN M
KISHABA, RAYMOND I
KISHABA, THERESA T
KITAMURA, FLORENCE S
KIYABU, KAREN E
KIYABU, SHERENE
KOGA, CAROL S
KOGA, MALCOLM T
KOJIMA, MARGARET S
KOJIMA, SHOJI
KOMATSU, BETSY K
KOMATSU, RUTH
KONDO, TERRY
KUBOTA, EDITH N
KUBOTA, TADASHI
KURAHARA, JANE M
KUROSAWA, BRUCE E
KUROSAWA, JANINE L
KWON, GRACE A
KWON, NELSON Y
LAU, THELMA S
LEE, KATHERINE
LEE, RONALD
LUKE, GERALD
LUNG, AIRAN N
LUNG, KEVIN R
MAKANANI, SUE T
MARK, BETTY
MARK, PAUL
MATSUNO, AMY
MEZURASHI, MILDRED
MICHAELS, DEBORA D
MITA, MIRIAM M
MITSUNAGA, FLORENCE
MIYAHIRA, ALISON Y
MIYAHIRA, CATHERINE Y
MIYAHIRA, JULIE S
MIYAMOTO, LES H
MIYAMOTO, LISA A
MORIMOTO, GAIL
MORIOKA, SHELLEY
MURAKAMI, DANIEL T
MURAKAMI, DOROTHY Y
MURAKAMI, HARRY H
MURAKAMI, HATSUKO
MURAKAMI, KENNETH K
MURAKAMI, MARGARET M
MURAKAMI, MARJORIE
MURAKAMI, SHIRLEY S
MURAMOTO, LEATRICE
MURASHIGE, ANNABEL H
MURASHIMA, JEFFREY T
MURASHIMA, JILL K
MURASHIMA, SHARON M
NAKABAYASHI, JANE
NAKAMURA, LILLIAN M
NAKAMURA, ROBERT F
NAKANO, KENJI
NAKASHIMA, GRANT
NAKASHIMA, KARINE
NAKASONE, ALENE T
NAKASONE, HATSUKO
NAKAYAMA, DOROTHY A
NAKAYAMA, YOICHI
NELSON, CATHERINE
NIMO, SILUPE
NISHIDA, STEVEN D
NISHIDA, SUSAN 0
NISHIKAWA, AMY
NISHIKI, JAMES S
NISHIKI, LILY T
NISHIMURA, ARTHUR
NISHIMURA, GRACE
NISHIMURA, HEIDI
NITTA, CRAIG
NITTA, DOROTHY C
NITTA, LAWRENCE K
NITTA, SHEREE
NORRIS, BESSIE M
NOSAKA, AKIKO
NOSAKA, RAYMOND R
OBATAKE, MARK
OBATAKE, STEPHANIE
SOGA, DONNE
OISHI, TAKANORI
SOGA, GARY M
OKAMURA, AYANO
SUEHIRO, RICHARD
OKI, CINDY-LEIGH Y
SUR, VIOLA
OKI, KERRY-ANNE
TABA, CLARENCE T
OKI, WALLACE J
TABA, NANCY N
OKIMOTO, MAIZIE
TAGA, BARBARA
OKINAGA, CAROLYN H
TAGUCHI, CAROLYN S
OKINAGA, LAWRENCE S
TAKAKI, JEAN
OKUBO, JANE H
TAKESUE, MARIAN Y
OKUDA, PATSY R
TAMASHIRO, BEN H
OKUMURA, MATSUKO M
TAMASHIRO, GLORIA B
OKUNA, NEIL N
TAMASHIRO, REGINA
ONIWA, DARREL
TAMURA, KELVIN T
ONO, MYRNA S
TAMURA, SUSAN
OSHIMA, EDITH T
TANAKA, MILDRED M
OSHIRO, MADELLINE E
TANAKA, YOSHINORI
OTAGURO, ALICE
TAWATA, DARYL
OTAKE, JANE C
TOMA, NORA
PARK OKUNA, INGA
TOMONARI, THELMA T
PASCUA, BRENDA
TORII, DARREN M
PAYNE, KATHARINE
TORII, JOY S
PLUMBO, ELIZABETH R
TOSHI, MARGARET Y
PLUMBO, RICHARD A
TRELA, LOIS
POND, JACK C
TRELA, LAWRENCE
ROSS, LYNNE D
TSUCHIDA, CLARA
SAKATA, RUTH
TSUTAOKA, GRACE M
SATO, FLORENCE H
USUI, ELAINE Y
SCHNEIDER, PIILANI
UYEDA, BETTE T
SETO, RAYMOND M
UYEDA, HISAKO
SETTSU, RICHARD
UYEUNTEN, FLORENCE H
SHIMABUKURO, DAVID
VANDERHOEVEN, ALBERT
SHIMABUKURO, HAZEL
VANDERHOEVEN,
SHIMABUKURO, SUSANNE Y ROSANNA M
SHIMAZU, CHIYOKO
WALKER, LINDA L
SHIMAZU, HIROSHI
WALTERS, CHARLOTTE S
SHIMAZU, S. DON
WATANABE, EIKO
SHIMAZU, SHARON
WATANABE, GLADYS
SHIMIZU, BRAD Y
WATANABE, TED
SHIMIZU, BYRON A
WONG, DAVID W
SHIMIZU, CHARLOTTE
WONG, PATRICIA C
SHIMIZU, CYNTHIA A
WONG, TIMOTHY
SHIMIZU, LYNN
YAMADA, JEAN F
SHIROMA, GEORGE
YAMAMOTO, HIROTOSHI
SHIROMA, KEITH
YAMAMOTO, SUE
SHIROMA, LANDY
YAMASAKI, EDITH
SHIROMA, NORA N
YAMASHITA, YOSHIE
70
YANO, IRENE H
YASUNAGA, ETHEL
YASUTAKE, ISAMU
YASUTAKE, LEILANI
YONAMINE, JERI L
YONAOSHI, EDNA
YONEHARA, EARL J
YOSHIYAMA, ALBERT
YOSHIYAMA, YURIKO
YUEN, BEVERLEY
YUKINAGA, LEATRICE I
294
F. Certificate of Dedication
Manoa Valley Church
takes great pleasure in presenting this
Certificate of Dedication
to
The REVEREND DONALD R. ASMAN
for his 30 years
as Servant of the Lord
*****
In particular for the sparkle of his
dramatization of parables and tidings
during the “Children’s Momemts”
at the Sunday morning worship services;
stories that seem to fall like gumdrops
from heaven upon one and all alike.
And for the uplife he gives us by his
zeal and enthusiasm as he goes about
in his work as a Servant of the
Lord, muchin the manner of a
jumper-cable to heaven.
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