About Holy Cross Episcopal Church
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This small Church is a "preaching station" of the diocese. The welcoming congregation is lay led, self-supporting, and reports directly to the Bishop. Services are weekly at 9:15 AM Sundays, traditional morning prayer, with an organist and hymns. Adult discussion combined with occasional brief silent meditation follows the psalms and 3 scripture readings from the Daily Office. After every Sunday service there is a light repast and 'talk-story' session on the shady lanai for visitors and members.
On 1st Sunday's a special offering for the homeless is collected for the Episcopal-founded, now independent, Institute for Human Services (IHS) in Kakaako, Honolulu.
Founded in 1960 as a Mission continuing the home worship services of the summer-home owners along the beach at Malaekahana, the building was formerly the engineer's office during construction of the Ala Moana Shopping Center. It has large clear windows with views of the Koolau's, completely refurbished pews originally from St. Stephens, a magnificent koa altar, a lecturn formerly used by the maitre'd at the Pacific Club, and a shady front lanai.
The Church of the Holy Cross was led for many years by the former Canon Theologian of the Diocese, Father John Engelcke who often reminded members that he was not only a 'lion roaring in the wilderness!' The congregation has hosted visits by former presiding Bishop Kennedy, South Africa's Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Rector and family of the persecuted Episcopal Church in Baghdad, many 'snowbirds' from Canada and other parts of America, virtually every retired priest serving as 'supply clergy' in the diocese since 2005, and other notables.
Tourists, and any visitors, are always welcome. Residents are invited and, by regular attendance., will soon be considered members.
