Established in 1855 under a Royal Charter from King Kamehameha IV the First United Methodist Church of Honolulu stands before you. It’s Hawaii’s original Methodist Church a unique distinction in United Methodism. Look closely at the building. Its sanctuary designed by Alfred Preis also designed the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Notice the cross made of block glass. Sunlight streams through it a beautiful reminder that Christ is the Light of the World. The walls are made of concrete from Hawaiian sand and lava rock a constant reminder of God’s beautiful islands. Even the pews are arranged diagonally. This promotes the Aloha spirit a visual reminder of the community gathered here.
The church has a rich and complex history. It wasn’t all sunshine and sermons. Research by the late Joyce Warner for the church’s 150th anniversary revealed a dark chapter. One of its early pastors Reverend Harcourt W Peck played a role in the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani’s monarchy. Peck served as a sharpshooter and aide to the overthrow’s commander. A year later he became pastor of the church. He even rejoined a sharpshooter company serving as chaplain to the new Republic of Hawaii. This is a part of the church’s history that has been acknowledged and repented for. The United Methodist Church issued a formal apology for its role in this event.
But First United Methodist Church of Honolulu is more than its past. It’s a vibrant community. It offers Sunday services in English and Tongan. After the 10 AM service join them for lively Bible study in the upstairs library. The church also runs a community food bank. For 25 years it has helped hundreds of people each month. About 25 volunteers mostly from the church donate their time weekly. The food bank provides groceries to families and children in need.
The First United Methodist Church of Honolulu is a place of worship a community hub and a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of Aloha. It’s a place where history and community intertwine a place where you can reflect on the past celebrate the present and look to the future. Remember the beauty of the sanctuary the spirit of Aloha and the commitment to service. This is more than just a building it is a story. It is a living testament to faith and community in the heart of Honolulu.