Kauai

Kauai's Changing Times – Saying Goodbye to Old Koloa Missionary Church

Yes, times are changing on Kauai, and so are the needs of the Koloa community. Sunday marked the last service in the historic Old Koloa Missionary Church building that dates back to 1890. A new church facility will be constructed on this site.

Koloa Missionary Church in Old Koloa Town

This building was original built by Dr. James Smith who was a medical missionary, and Kauai’s first physician practicing Western medicine. He traveled on horseback all over the island to treat sick people.

His son, Dr. Jared Smith, was taking over his father’s Kauai practice when he was murdered by a patient that he had recently diagnosed as positive with leprosy, which meant the patient would be exiled to the leprosy colony on Molokai. The church purchased this clinic in 1954, and it has been a Koloa fixture since then.

Tears fell during this last service because several members had been born in this church building while it was still a medical clinic. With fondness we say goodbye to the past and look forward to the new home of Koloa Missionary Church.

So, if the “change in your future is moving to Kauai,” let me know, and I will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect home. lucyadams@hawaiilife.com

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Ilona Coffey

January 10, 2011

So sorry to see this church go. Many happy times have been had here, thanks for letting us know this piece of the past is nearing its end.

Ilona Coffey

January 10, 2011

So sorry to see this church go. Many happy times have been had here, thanks for letting us know this piece of the past is nearing its end.

Laura Adams

January 10, 2011

That’s too bad. I wonder why the old building has to go? I hope the new one will be built in the same traditional Hawaiian style.

Laura Adams

January 10, 2011

That’s too bad. I wonder why the old building has to go? I hope the new one will be built in the same traditional Hawaiian style.

Gary Siracusa

January 11, 2011

I’m surprised that the congregation would not want to retain this piece of their history … and that the building wasn’t listed as a historical preservation site.

Gary Siracusa

January 11, 2011

I’m surprised that the congregation would not want to retain this piece of their history … and that the building wasn’t listed as a historical preservation site.

Scott Coffey

January 12, 2011

TIMES CHANGE….BUT THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF KAUAI ARE ETERNAL. i WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LOOK OF THE NEW BUILDING.

Scott Coffey

January 12, 2011

TIMES CHANGE….BUT THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF KAUAI ARE ETERNAL. i WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LOOK OF THE NEW BUILDING.

Lucy Adams, RS

June 13, 2011

I agree change is always hard, but like you say the hearts and souls of Kauai’s people are unique, kind and caring. They will carry memories with them of all these former days.

Lucy Adams, RS

June 13, 2011

I agree change is always hard, but like you say the hearts and souls of Kauai’s people are unique, kind and caring. They will carry memories with them of all these former days.

Patty Klein

June 13, 2019

This information is old. The church is staying open and on the same property.

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