by Erica Miles
For 75 years, Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA) has been a symbol of faith, education, and transformation in the heart of Honolulu. Since its humble beginnings in 1949, HBA has evolved from a small school serving just 36 students to an institution that now educates over 1,100 students from junior kindergarten through high school. Such remarkable growth is a testament to the countless milestones and pivotal moments that have shaped Hawaii Baptist Academy’s journey over the past 75 years.
A Vision Rooted in Faith
The story of HBA began in the early 1940s when Southern Baptist missionaries arrived in Hawaii with a mission to provide Christian education to the islands. Near the base of Punchbowl in Honolulu’s Makiki district, they found the perfect site, where large army barracks were transformed into classrooms. The early years were marked by the dedication of volunteers and the steadfast leadership of Hugh and Mary McCormick, who opened the school’s doors in 1949 with a clear vision: “Christ for Every Nation.”
From its modest start with just 36 students, HBA quickly grew, enrolling 122 students by its second year. By 1953, the school expanded to offer education from grades 1 through 12, becoming not just an educational institution but also a mission field. A campus revival in February 1952 saw more than 50 individuals come to faith, setting a spiritual foundation that continues to lead HBA’s mission today.
Milestones of Faith and Expansion
The journey of HBA has been marked by numerous challenges and miracles. The late 1950s and 1960s brought significant financial hurdles, but through God’s grace and the support of the community, HBA continued to thrive. One of the most remarkable milestones came in 1971 when HBA acquired a 13.6-acre estate in Nuuanu, enabling the creation of the Pali campus. This land now houses key facilities including the Dan Kong Middle School and the Stan Sagert High School.
Expansion continued through the 1980s and 1990s with the establishment of an elementary school on the Leeward Coast and the acquisition of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Convent School, which became HBA’s Richard Bento Elementary Campus. Each of these expansions was guided by faith and a commitment to providing quality Christian education to Hawaii’s youth.
Honoring Our Founders and Key Figures
Central to HBA’s success has been the unwavering dedication of individuals and groups like the Mainland Advisory Council (MAC), established in 1977. The MAC began with 55 members from 13 states, all committed to supporting HBA’s mission financially and spiritually. Today, MAC Week remains a beloved tradition, celebrating the bond between students and council members through activities, entertainment, and fellowship.
HBA has also been blessed with visionary leadership over the decades, from the McCormicks to Colonel Stanley Sagert, Dr. Ron Boggs, Dr. Dan Kong, Richard Bento, and our current president, Ron Shiira. Each leader has left a lasting legacy, guiding HBA through seasons of change and growth.
Looking Ahead: The Campaign for Transformation
As Hawaii Baptist Academy marks its75th anniversary, the school is not only reflecting on its past but also looking to the future through the Campaign for Transformation. This initiative is designed to elevate the educational environment and expand HBA’s reach, ensuring that it remains a place where students grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership.
Central to this campaign is the Innovation and Discovery Center, a state-of-the-art facility intended to foster hand-on learning and critical thinking. Furthermore, the Institute for Hope seeks to advance HBA’s mission by expanding outreach programs and establishing Christian partnerships, enabling the school to more fully live out its missionary efforts.
75th Anniversary Celebrations
To mark this momentous occasion, HBA has planned a series of events throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Festivities kicked off with Founder’s Day chapels, celebrating the school’s history and the Christian values upon which it was built. These events honored founders Hugh and Mary McCormick and highlighted the many people who have contributed to HBA’s journey.
A highlight of the celebrations will be the 75th Anniversary Community Concert, “Come and See,” scheduled for November 23 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom. This special event will showcase performances by HBA’s student performing arts groups and feature testimonials of God’s faithfulness throughout our history. It promises to be a celebratory event that brings HBA’s story to life in new and exciting ways.
As HBA celebrates the 75th anniversary throughout the year, they will be offering more opportunities for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and community to join in the celebration.
A Legacy of Faith and Learning
Hawaii Baptist Academy stands as a testament to the power of faith, vision, and perseverance. From its founding by the McCormicks to the ongoing support of MAC and the leadership of dedicated presidents, HBA has been shaped by those who believed in the transformative power of Christian education. As HBA looks to the future, HBA remains committed to their mission: “Christ for Every Nation.” The journey that began 75 years ago is far from over, and together, HBA will continue to build a legacy of faith and learning for generations to come.
