On the Road to Kalapana

So many times I have traveled to Kalapana and beyond....to the lava flow,  up the road to Kahena, Seaview and many places in between, and I have never stopped to see this amazing place that has such a rich history, with connections both local and worldwide....until today. I am talking about the Star of the Sea Church, also known as the Painted Church. It was built in 1928 in Kalapana, under the direction of Father Evarist Gielen, who painted the upper section of the church interior. In *1941, George Heidler, from Athens, Georgia, painted the lower panels to complete the church interior.

Many of the paintings and stained glass works tell the story of Father, (Saint) Damian's work here in Kalapana, 1864-1873 and of his sixteen years serving the Hanson's Disease, (leprosy) community at Kalaupapa, Moloka'i. From 1873 until his passing in 1889. There is so much to be learned of Father Damien's work, this article cannot do justice, only to say that he is a very powerful figure in our local and Hawaiian history. 

The Painted Church is not only a part of our local history, it is a standing work of art. I was amazed when I entered the church. There is not a place to look that doesn't have some painting, stained glass or historical display.  In 1986 and 1990, lava flows from Pu'u O'o destroyed almost the entire fishing village of Kalapana, and the Painted Church was moved to it's current location between mile marker 19 and 20 on the road to Kalapana. The Star of the Sea Church is on the National Registry of Historic Places.


*There is a conflict in the documented dates of George Heidler's contribution of artwork to the Church. Some say his work was done in 1941, others say 1964. Please comment regarding the correct date. Mahalo.

New York Times article: May 2, 1990
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/02/us/as-lava-and-flame-lap-at-the-door-dazed-neighbors-flee-a-fire-goddess.html?pagewanted=all

Here is an excellent site showing the events of the 1990 flow. 
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/history/1990Kalapana/