2025-11-27 All Saints 100

Celebrating 100 Years of God's Love at All Saints' Kaua'i

Photos from the Wrap-Up Luau Event on November 1, 2025

[November 27, 2025] Nestled in the heart of Kapa'a town on Kaua'i, is All Saints' Episcopal Church, the oldest of the Episcopal churches on the island that has served the community for the past 100 years. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, they wrapped up a year-long centennial celebration with the theme "Sharing God's Love for 100 years."

"What an amazing year!" said Senior Warden Faith Shiramizu, who not only shouldered the responsibility of making sure their church ran smoothly without a permanent rector, but also the large-scale community events that took place over the past year. "Thankfully, leaders for the different activities were able to organize and recruit volunteers to help create very successful events that included a kick-off luau, mini Bon Dance, dodgeball tournament, and the wrap-up luau," shared Faith.

Dileep Bal and the Honorable Bill Fernandez were co-chairs for the overall celebration, but their focus was mainly on the Centennial book which turned out beautifully, just in time for distribution at their final event. The book, A Century of Faith, Hope & Love, involved months of interviews with family members, most representing multiple generations of the All Saints' 'ohana. The end product was a treasure trove of poignant memories and faded photos from days gone by.

"The best part of working on our centennial book was interviewing the kupuna and other church members," said Curtis Shiramizu, a member of the book committee. "That part of the process made this project memorable, precious and interesting, while learning more about the history of All Saints’ Church and how it was back then." He quickly added, "especially [talking with] Mabel Konishi, Wilfred Kimura, and Lillian Tom. Listening to the stories made some of them come alive even if they’re already gone, especially Bob Kondo." (Pictured is the book committee of [seated L-R] Faith Shiramizu, Dileep Bal, Diane Sato, and standing, Ron Morinishi and Curtis Shiramizu.)

Adding to those memories are the different activities and events that took place during their centennial year. We share brief recaps of the events below. Click on the images to enlarge:

Kick-off Centennial Luau Event, Saturday, November 9, 2024
The Centennial kick-off luau took place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, but the day actually began with an additional reason for celebration. Suzanne Kobayashi, who had been serving as a transitional deacon at All Saints', was ordained to the priesthood. A number of clergy from around the Diocese flew in to welcome their newest priest. Immediately after the service, the community was invited to gather under the "big tent" where a Hawaiian buffet (Bishop Bob's favorite) awaited. Entertainment with an international flair was lined up that featured Taiko drumming, the church's Azuma Japanese dance troupe, the Punua family & friends, the Sunset Swing Band, and more! Pictured above from left, attending clergy gathered for a photo with Suzanne before the ordination service; the Honorable Bill Fernandez welcomed everyone and shared a bit of history about All Saints'; Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick delivered opening remarks and blessings; State House Representative Nadine Nakamura, also a church member, presented a proclamation to the wardens, Faith Shiramizu and Ron Morinishi; fun activities for kids included face painting and a bounce house! (Photos: S. Nishioka)

Mini Bon Dance, Saturday, May 17, 2025
With the large influx of Japanese immigrants to Hawai'i in the late 1800s, their traditional Bon Odori, or Bon Dance has become a tradition here in the islands as well. All Saints' has always had a large population of Japanese Americans, and to celebrate their Japanese and Kaua'i roots, a mini bon dance was held.

"Our Mini Bon Dance was so fun with participants from our congregation as well as community," said Faith. "Wayne Doliente, Jean Nakamoto and Carolyn Morinishi created such a great event and fed all who showed up to enjoy it! There were even flying saucers (local snack) and pronto pup crews! Diane Sato integrated Relay for Life and the traditional Obon season of honoring our ancestors, by creating luminaria for our “All Saints’ Saints” that have passed. It was a delightful, meaningful and beautiful event." (Photos: All Saints' Epistle)

Fun In Fellowship Dodgeball Tournament, August 30, 2025
One of All Saints' more popular community events was Fun in Fellowship (FiF) Dodgeball. The program, which ran for ten years from 2006-2016, took place during the summer with a highly anticipated tournament at the end of the season. Although it was originally intended to be a youth activity, its popularity among all ages became evident quickly, and at its peak, would max out with 40 teams and 300 participants–plus waitlists! Players ranged in age from 4 years old to 64, and even vacationing tourists would plan trips around the tournament. FiF Dodgeball was funded entirely by grants and donations and kept free to the public. Although the program ended nearly a decade ago, players who grew up with it encouraged the idea of bringing it back one last time as part of the centennial celebration.

"Mahalo to Co-chairs, Dustin Moises and Brent Mizutani," said Faith. "They had lots of help from Sybil Nishioka (our Dodgeball guru), Ty Shiramizu, Tyler Costa and Keoni Kelekoma (past participants and dodgeball enthusiasts). This group and all of the volunteers from our congregation and community pulled off an event that was fun for all who participated, leaving them wanting more! Our grown-up kids realized it’s not as easy to jump so high or bend so low, but they had a great time! Although some couldn't play in the tournament due to work or prior commitments, they still showed up to enjoy the practices leading up to it."

Pictured above from left are Nancy Wilson and Scott Sato who served as the check-in clerks and ballot counters for the awards; a Masters Coed game in action; youth who were new to the event kept asking when the next tournament would be; our kupuna joined a Masters Coed team, and pictured in white shorts is Diane Sato who was thrilled to win her very first trophy; Galen's Gang, named after Nadine Nakamura's late husband, has been the official "church team" for years. They went on to take first place in the Masters Coed division.

Wrap-up Centennial Event & Bishop's Visitation, November 1 & 2, 2025
The final closing event for the Centennial Celebration was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and once again featured a delicious Hawaiian buffet and entertainment representing the diverse cultures of the island's community. Pictured at the very top of the page from left, is Senior Warden Faith Shiramizu, Bishop Bob and Bea, and the Rev. David Englund, the visiting supply priest. In the center, kupuna members (over the age of 80) were invited to come up to be acknowledged, and at far right, Speaker of the State House of Representatives, Nadine Nakamura, presented the event proclamation to Faith and Junior Warden, Ron Morinishi.

Above from left, Leslie Womack, her mother April Womack, and Scott Sato man the Centennial book table; just a few of the entertainment groups that performed were the church's Azuma Japanese Dance troupe, a Filipino dance group, a Marshallese family choir, and the "The All Saints' Washtub/Board Band" with Father David Englund, his wife Susan, Curtis Shiramizu, and the Rev. Suzanne Kobayashi.

"Both of our Centennial Luaus were great!" said Faith. "When we did the kick off, we had no idea how full our year would be, but it was all heartfelt. Shout out to Wayne Doliente and Jean Nakamoto, our luau co-chairs, who planned and organized both events. They pulled them off successfully with help from many in the congregation and community."

The following day was the Bishop's official Visitation that fell on All Saints' Day. Bishop Bob delivered a heartfelt and moving sermon that especially touched those who have "remained steadfast" as clergy have come and gone. His sermon was timely and most welcomed as they wrap up their search for a new rector.

Father David Englund helped coordinate a truly special service that included the return of the choir, a beautiful hula number by Ita, a blessing for Bishop Bob and Bea, and a rousing post-service number that had folks up on their feet singing and dancing to "we are family!"

After the service, everyone enjoyed a delicious potluck and lots of fellowship, despite a sudden downpour. Before leaving, the Bishop scored some All Saints' swag created for the Centennial that included t-shirts and caps.

With an eventful year finally over, Faith shared a closing comment that she hopes will come true. "Now that we have completed our year of celebrating All Saints' Church, we plan to spend our time and energy focusing on serving our community and those in need, sharing God's love for the next 100 years!"

Reporting: Sybil Nishioka, Communications Specialist & Editor
Photos: Contributed photos, All Saints' Epistle, Sybil Nishioka, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick