More Modernist Churches

Mid-century churches

A good chunk of Honolulu’s modern infrastructure was built during the 1950s and 60s resulting in more modernist churches per capita than most American cities. These places of worship vary greatly in design but have one thing in common; they’re all mid-century amazing!

We’ve listed a bunch here (in no particular order) and elsewhere on the See Honolulu page. Corresponding photos can be viewed above… click on addresses below for Google Map locations.

Thurston Memorial Chapel (1601 Punahou Street) – Located on the grounds of Punahou school, this minimalist chapel was designed by noted modernist architect Vladimir Ossipoff in 1969 and is uniquely integrated into its environment which includes a lily pond and park setting. Its trellis-covered lanai is reminiscent of Ossipoff’s 1963 Outrigger Canoe Club, located in the Gold Coast neighborhood.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (539 Kapahulu Avenue) – This rectilinear, low-lying, classic post & beam design went up in 1951 and made an immediate architectural statement in the growing and developing area of Waikiki… and still does today.

Saints Peter & Paul Church (800 Kaheka Street) – Established in 1968 by Bishop John Scanlan, the parish moved in upon completion a year later and this little gem of a church has been a stellar example of tropical modernism ever since, boasting natural lava rock and palm tree-inspired concrete castings on its exterior while colorful stained glass and exposed beams brighten its circular interior. Located a block over from modernist Amana Street.

St. Pius X Catholic Church (2821 Lowrey Avenue) – This Manoa Valley church envelops its parishioners with its wide, almost barn-like, modernist A-Frame design while colorful stained glass and a prominent Cross front the building. By architects Law & Wilson, 1958.

Manoa Valley Church (2728 Huapala Street) – Designed by Howard and Robert Wong (Wong & Wong Associates) in 1967, this community church features an exaggerated, sweeping mid-century A-Frame and beautiful stained glass work by noted artist Erica Karawina.

Wesley United Methodist Church (1350 Hunakai Street) – Designed by Lemmon, Freeth & Haines circa 1963, this modernist Kahala church and school exhibits strong vertical lines and a soaring tropical-inspired roof line.

First Presbyterian Church (1882 Keeaumoku Street) – Another tropical modernist design by Lemmon, Freeth & Haines, circa 1959, this beauty is located in the Makiki neighborhood and boasts an A-Frame overhang and a very clever modernist nod to the traditional church bell tower.