Makiki Christian Church
829 Pensacola Street
Photo by Nancy Bannick from the Historic Hawaii Foundation Archives
Built 1932
Architect: Hego Fuchino
By Nancy Bannick
The "Makiki Castle" was the inspiration of the Reverend Takie Okumura, founder and pastor of the church. In Japan, the castle was a place of protection and the earliest tower on a castle was built by a Christian Japanese as a place to worship God.
To the pastor, this design symbolized refuge, security and grandeur. Finally convinced it was not warlike, the congregation raised funds to build the tower, lobby and chapel in 1931. City regulations necessitated some altering: lowering the structure and closing off the tower. The gold dolphins atop the tower signify salvation, and the celing paintings, donated by the artist, Yunosuke Ito, depict Japanese poems and proverbs. A parish hall was added in 1936. The Makiki Church is a striking blend of East and West.
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