Rumble in the Steeple
Ring announcer: Out of the Upcountry corner, this church is a 28-time festival holder. Standing since 1907, built out of materials that arrived at Makena Landing and were transported up Haleakala by horse-drawn carriage. Fighting for your salvation out of Keokea, it’s ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH! (Crowd cheers.) And out of the Wailuku corner (a hush), this church is named for a Hana-born Hawaii queen and the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great. Established in 1832, it’s the oldest congregational church on the island. Fighting from just across the street to the county seat, it’s KA’AHUMANU HAWAIIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH! (Crowd cheers.) Both churches will host free community fairs on Saturday (September 25), with St. John’s Kula Festival running from 9am-3pm and Ka‘ahumanu’s “Restoring Our History” Extravaganza from 10am-4pm. Referee: Churches, please open your hymnals to “The Summons,” and have a clean festival. (DING!) Ring announcer: And the churches come out swinging! St. John’s promised to be “bigger and better than ever” this year, as the congregation honors the retirement of Rev. Heather Mueller, after her 29 years of service. As is tradition, they will share proceeds with local non-profits, this year being the Upcountry Boys & Girls Club and the Hui No Ke Ola Pono Native Hawaiian health care system. Meanwhile, Ka‘ahumanu—which, a recent inspection revealed, needs restoration work done posthaste—looks to announce their plans and raise funds. Both events feature live entertainment—St. John’s boasting George Kahumoku, Jr. (2pm)—food, arts and crafts, produce and more. Ooh! St. John’s throws in a silent auction and food, like their famous Portuguese bean-soup plus produce including fresh Kula strawberries for sale. But wait, Ka‘ahumanu still seeks artisans and crafters, and will pick up rummage sale donations. Looks like this one’s a tie, folks! Thanks for tuning in and be sure to return for more Holy Trinity TKOs. St. John’s: 808-878-1485; stjohnsmaui.org / Ka‘ahumanu: 808-874-1815
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