statue mary part the altar saint benedict painted church big island hawaii

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Statue of Mary, part of the altar of Saint Benedict`s Painted Church on the Big Island, Hawaii.

Pictured is a statue of Mary, part of the altar of Saint Benedict`s Painted Church on the Big Island, Hawaii. The catholic church was established in 1942 and was first located on the shore of Honaunau. In 1899 Father John Berchams Velghe arrived from Belgium. Most of the people had moved from the shore higher on the slopes for more fertile soil. The church was dismantled, and moved to it`s present location with the help of mules. Father Velghe, a self-taught artist, painted the interior walls of the church which is now listed in the Hawaii State Register of Historic places and the National Register of Historic Places.