Church History

Pastor and Mrs. Max Helton established Ko’olau Baptist Church (KBC) in 1965. This young missionary couple sent from Baptist International Missions Incorporated (BIMI) arrived in Hawai’i. With a small group of believers, they held meetings in He’eia Elementary School then in the cafeteria of King Intermediate School. In 1967, the Heltons purchased a 2.5 acre banana patch in Kane’ohe where the church built a sanctuary.

In 1974 under the leadership of Rev. James Warren (1972- 1976), KBC founded Windward Christian School. Approximately thirty students met in a small A-framed annex building which used to be an old real estate office that was moved onto the property.

Continuing to grow,  the church and school needed more room. Rev. David Marcum (1976-1980) led in an expansion of the back of the church sanctuary for use in church and school functions. Shortly after, “Windward Christian School” became known as “Ko’olau Baptist Academy” aligning the school ministry to the leadership and direction of Ko’olau Baptist Church.

Al and Rosalie Anger with their three children, Tim, Dan, and Beth, arrived in Hawaii in December of 1969. Throughout the years, Al and his family served in the church, establishing a servicemen’s center in Honolulu. A few years later, he was asked to serve as pastor when Max Helton resigned. Finally in 1980, the church voted in Al Anger as the Pastor of KBC. He continued to serve until later being called to a new mission field in 1990.

In 1991, Ko’olau Baptist Church called Rev. Thomas Bowlin as its pastor. Ko’olau Baptist Church has experienced numerous improvements since this time. Under his leadership the school joined the American Association of Christian Schools and helped found AACS – Hawaii in 1991. Under his leadership we have built a new church/school office and a new High School building consisting of three large multipurpose class rooms. He has also overseen the complete interior renovating of our sanctuary and began leading the way to expanding our multiplex with a new elementary two story building and a multifunctional-use building, as funds are made available. In September 2004 Pastor Bowlin resigned for health reasons.

In July 2006, Pastor John Sass took over as the new Senior Pastor of Ko’olau Baptist Church. While Pastor John Sass was a marine in Hawaii, He met Suzy Dias, his wife, who was a member of Ko’olau Baptist Church.  They were able to serve together in her home church. After serving 5 years the Lord led him to the mainland to continue pastoring.

In January of 2011, Pastor Skip Woodfin was voted in as Senior Pastor of Ko’olau Baptist Church. Under his leadership and guidance, KBC sent out several missionary families, celebrated 50 years of service, and started a local Bible college, Hawaii Baptist College.

The past history of Ko’olau Baptist Church is rich with the many blessings of God who receives all the glory. The future looks bright as we wait to see how the Lord will continue to lead us as we carry out the great commission of reaching the lost and dying world for Him…as we hopefully look for His return!