Sesquicentennial

Sesquicentennial: Celebrating 150 Years in Hawai'i

In 2012, the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, celebrated its Sesquicentennial. The motto for the year-long event was "A Journey of Faith, a Promise of Hope", as we not only remember and honor our history, but to also focus on our present ministries and our hope for the future.

Neighbor Island Celebrations

Beginning in September, each island celebrated the Sesquicentennial with a special event attended by Bishop Fitzpatrick, each in their own unique way. There was a Festival Eucharist and grand luau, a "Boogie with the Bishop" dance, and an evening of theater and music. As different as each island's events were, the common thread was the joyous atmosphere and coming together of all Episcopalians on each island, to celebrate this significant time in the life of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i. Click HERE to read about each island's event and to view photos.

Grace & Beauty: 150 Years of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i

One of the highlights of the historical celebration, was a 40-minute documentary produced by EMMY Award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie J. Castillo. "Grace and Beauty: 150 Years of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i" unfolds the story of how the church was founded by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma with Anglican Bishop, Thomas Staley, in 1862, and built by the bishops and laity that followed. The primary storyteller in the documentary is Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, with contributors Bishop Richard Chang, the Rev. Malcolm Naea Chun and the Rev. David Kennedy. It is narrated by Kaua'i kumu hula Sabra Kauka. The video is currently available for public viewing HERE.

The Main Event: O'ahu's Sesquicentennial Weekend

The "main event" coincided with the Annual Meeting of Convention on November 9-11, 2012, and brought our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori to the islands. The Presiding Bishop shared a grace-filled presence with words of wisdom, hope and peace. Also invited to this event were our diocese's former Bishops as well as dignitaries from our state, the country and the world.

The first day's events were centered on the Cathedral Close and the public was invited to take part in the many activities planned including the opening ceremonies, speakers, a Ministry Fair with entertainment in Queen Emma Park, O'ahu's premiere showing of Grace and Beauty, a moving performance of Queen Emma in Tenney Theater, and Requiem Mass.

There was also a luncheon at the Pacific Club that raised funds for three organizations: The Queen Emma Clinics, The St. Andrew's Priory Scholarship Fund and Waiolahui'ia: the local Diocesan Formation Program for the Priesthood. These three causes are based on King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma's concerns for the body, mind and spirit of their people. The Presiding Bishop was the guest speaker who shared candid moments and fielded questions from guests. The closing event on Friday was a Clergy Dinner with the Presiding Bishop, held at the historic Washington Place.

Saturday was dedicated to the 44th Annual Meeting of Convention with the usual orders of business while the Presiding Bishop visited with members of St. Elizabeth's. A wonderful dinner gathering of delegates and special guests took place under the tent in Queen Emma Park. During dinner, four persons received the Bishop's Cross, a beautifully engraved koa box, for their years of dedicated service to the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i.

The Presiding Bishop celebrated and preached at the closing event of the weekend, a grand Festival Eucharist held at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on Sunday, November 11, beginning at 9:00 am. With most of the clergy at this service, arrangements were made to live-stream it through the internet so that all Episcopal churches throughout the Diocese could worship together. To read about O'ahu's celebration, click HERE.

Special Edition Reprint of the Book of Common Prayer
A reprint of King Kamehameha IV's translation of the Book of Common Prayer is now available for purchase. Cloth-bound in red with gold foil stamping, this attractive volume contains over 400 pages of translated biblical scripture, liturgical prayers, and orders of service. Also included is the King's preface, as translated by him into English.

Order a Copy
Copies of the Special Edition Book of Common Prayer are still available. Cost is $35 and includes shipping within the United States. To purchase a copy, click HERE.