Historic Structure Report, St. Philomena Catholic Church (Father Damien's Church)
Carper RL, McGrath HT, Cloyd PC, Blee CH, Somers GF. 1985. Historic Structure Report, St. Philomena Catholic Church (Father Damien's Church). National Park Service. Denver, Colorado
This Historic Structure Report was undertaken to develop preservation treatment recommendations for St. Philomena Catholic Church at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai, Hawaii. Commonly known as Father Damien's Church, it is located in the Kalawao portion (east side) of the Kalaupapa peninsula on the north side of the island. This structure, along with Siloama Protestant Church (a reconstruction) are the only two remaining buildings of the Kalawao Settlement. The structure represents the early history of the settlement and the internationally known efforts of Father Damien and others to provide care for the people afflicted with Hansen's Disease. The first portion of St. Philomena's (most of which was later removed) was constructed in 1872 by Brother Victorin Bertrand, prior to Fr. Damien's arrival. Father Damien added the west nave in 1876, and after its steeple collapsed in a windstorm, began construction of the masonry and wood main nave in 1888. He died in 1889 before the church was completed. The structure is a primary resource and major element in the interpretation of Kalaupapa and is the most important building in the National Historical Park. It is on the List of Classified Structure and listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement, a National Historic Landmark, approved on January 7, 1976. The structure is of national significance (social and humanitarian movements) and also considered to be of international significance. It is the highest priority for preservation in the National Historical Park General Management Plan and the Cultural Resources Management Plan. This report includes documentation of the history of the structural changes which have occurred during its history, structural and material condition analyses, photographs and drawings to record the present appearance, details and condition of the building and its site, and recommendations for emergency structural stabilization and preservation treatment to assure continued stability and protection of this important resource.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Carper, Robert; McGrath, H.; Cloyd, Paul; Blee, Catherine; Somers, Gary
- Date of Issue
- 1985-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- HIST , KALA
- Keywords
- ehistory, Hansen's disease, Hawaii, Historic Buildings, religious structures