“Jehovah is my fortress my high tower.” Those words encapsulate the essence of Makiki Christian Church. Right here stands a unique house of worship. It is the Makiki Christian Church. This isn’t just another church. It is the only Christian church in the United States designed like a 16th-century Japanese castle.
In 1904 Reverend Takie Okumura founded Makiki Church. He was a pastor from Japan. He wanted to create a new place of worship. A local businessman George Castle donated land in 1905. The first church building was completed in 1906. It accommodated 500 people.
By 1927 termites had damaged the original church. The congregation decided to build a new one. This new church would be special. It was modeled after Kochi Castle in Japan. Kochi is Reverend Okumura’s home prefecture. He chose this design to represent peace and protection. Some initially misunderstood it as militaristic.
Hego Fuchino designed the Makiki Christian Church. He was one of the first Japanese architects in Hawaii. He also designed Kuakini Hospital and the Izumo Taisha Mission. Fuchino drew inspiration from Himeji Castle. This castle dates back to the early Edo period.
The Makiki Christian Church is five stories tall. Its main tower reaches ninety feet. A three-story parish hall and Sunday school extend from the tower. This gives the building a T-shape. The church was dedicated on November 6 1932. A dining hall and classrooms were added in 1936. The Christian Education building was built in 1960.
The churchyard welcomes you through a munekado. It is a gable-roofed gate supported by two pillars. The building’s entrance is fourteen feet high. Massive solid wooden doors protect the entrance.
Inside a large vestibule runs parallel to the sanctuary. It provides access to the church and parish hall. The interior features acid-stained concrete floors and columns with elbow brackets. Yunosuke Ogura painted 164 ceiling panels. These panels depict fruits flowers and vegetables.
During construction China and Japan were at war. Reverend Okumura specified that all materials be purchased from City Mill. This was owned by KA Chung. It was a gesture of goodwill showing that the conflict did not extend to Hawaii.
Reverend Okumura also established the Okumura Boys and Girls Home. It provided affordable housing for young people. He started the first Japanese-language school. He also created the first AJA baseball league.
Makiki Christian Church is listed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most photographed churches in the Islands. This unique castle-like church stands as a symbol of peace protection and cultural harmony. It reflects Reverend Okumura’s vision. It blends Japanese architecture with Christian faith.