Historic church ready to rebuild
By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer
The crumbled rock wall seen all over the world in news reports about the Big Island earthquakes is destined to rise anew.
The church council of Kalahikiola Congregational Church in Kapa'au met this week and tentatively decided to rebuild the historic building.
Interim Pastor George Baybrook said the 40-member council heard rebuilding estimates that ranged from $800,000 to $3 million, a hefty price tag for a congregation with just 100 members. They've set up committees to oversee rebuilding and insurance issues.
A Federal Emergency Management Agency estimate placed damage at about $2 million.
"We have insurance, but not that much insurance," said Baybrook, adding that another $25,000 to $35,000 in damage was sustained by the adjacent parsonage.
The church is listed on both national and state historical registries. It was built in the 1850s and dedicated on Oct. 11, 1855. Missionary Elias Bond in his writings compared it to "the crown jewel" of O'ahu, Kawaiaha'o Church.