In September through October 2007, while my husband, Bruce, was in Queen's Medical Center for cancer treatment, occasionally I needed a place of solace and peace. Queen's had a lovely chapel where I could go during his surgical procedures and treatments where I was not allowed to be present. These were difficult times as we didn't want to be separated, but sometimes they wouldn't bend the rules. So, I found myself alone more often than desired. And even though the medical staff was very kind to us, I found myself yearning for a soulful place where I could connect mentally/emotionally with Bruce without the myriad of distractions one finds in a hospital.

One day I decided to take a walk because Bruce's surgery required nine hours. I just couldn't stand being cooped-up any longer. Knowing his doctors and nurses had my cell phone number, I set out aimlessly... walking and found myself at the gate of the Kawaiaha 'o Church and the tomb of King William Charles Lunalilo. It was here where I found as much peace as was afforded to me... I returned several times because it brought me closer to Bruce than anywhere else at that time. When we reunited I shared with him the peace and comfort I found there... he encouraged me to return as often as possible.

The following is a brief history, with a few photos I took along the way, of Kiwaiaha'o Church and the tomb of King William Charles Lunalilo... a place of Divine grace and peace.

King William Charles Lunalilo
January 31, 1835 - February 3, 1874

Tomb inscription:  King Kamehameha V died on December 11, 1872, without naming a successor to the throne. Prince William Charles Lunalilo was the highest ranking Chief at that time. Instead of claiming his birthright to the throne, he wanted the people to choose their next ruler in a democratic way. Lunalilo requested a special election which pitted him against David Kalakaua, a High Chief, but not of the Kamehameha line. Sever days later on January 8, 1973, an entire city cheered as the Legislature proclaimed that Lunalilo was not only "the people's choice" for king, but the "Legislature's choice" as well. On January 9, 1873, the coronation of Lunalilo took place in  Kawaiaha 'o Church.

King Lunalilo died at the age of thirty-nine on February 3, 1874. He reigned for only one year and twenty-five days. As his predecessor, he did not name a successor to the throne. He insisted that the choice of the next monarch should rest in the hands of his people. The service for Lunalilo was conducted by the Reverend Henry Parker of Kawaiaha‘o Church and his body was temporarily taken to the Royal Mausoleum in Nu‘uanu Valley until his tomb at Kawaiaha‘o Church was ready.

Kawaiaha‘o Church is the first Christian Church in Hawaii, was built between 1836 and 1842 in New England style architecture. It is often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaii." Fourteen thousand coral slabs, quarried by hand from reefs 10 - 20 feet under water, comprise the main structure. The church is located at 927 Punchbowl Steet, Honolulu, Hawaii.

If you are in Honolulu, Hawaii be sure and visit this special place located just a few blocks from Queen's Medical Center (see address above).

I've experienced a great love. This post is a brief glimpse of my past love which I carry always in my heart. I have rediscovered my passion for living again. I'm grateful to all of you in the RAIN for your help to heal my heart in Texas!

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved