Maui Commemorates 150 Anniversary of St. Joseph Church

By Wendy Osher

Council Member Mike White, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui’s St. Joseph Catholic Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding this year. In commemoration of the event, a ceremonial resolution will be introduced by Councilmember Mike White this week.

St. Joseph Church was first established as a parish in Ulumalu in 1862 by Portuguese immigrants from the Azores and Madeira. The existing church, which features an elaborately designed French-Gothic sanctuary, was built in 1911.  In subsequent years, a bell tower was added, as well as a gym, a convent, and St. Joseph School in 1949.

Today, the church continues to serve the Upcountry community, providing a food pantry, a preschool, thrift shop, and prison ministry.

The resolution will be presented at 9 a.m. Friday in the Council Chambers.