HBA Begins Its Second Decade

The 10th anniversary of Hawaii Baptist Academy coincided with the Territory of Hawaii becoming a state in 1959. With statehood impending, the Foreign Mission Board began plans to withdraw personnel and funds from Hawaii, leaving many Baptist churches in Hawaii in danger of closing. As a result, operational control of HBA was transferred from the FMB to the Hawaii Baptist Convention (later renamed the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention).

Another significant change was the retirement of founders H.P. and Mary McCormick. Harold C. Diggs took over as principal, and HBA continued to experience high staff turnover and huge financial limitations, especially with the declining of funds from the FMB. Diggs wrote, “The ensuing nine months [since the transfer of operational control of the school to the HBC] have witnessed many changes. The founder and principal, Rev. H.P. McCormick, retired after having rendered wise and energetic leadership of the school … An almost complete turnover in faculty and administrative personnel took place due to retirements, missionary withdrawals, natural attrition and the inability of some teachers to live in Hawaii on the low salaries.”

In spite of this, and with only four of the former staff members remaining in 1960, a modest increase in teacher salaries was achieved and enrollment continued to rise even as facilities were in desperate need of expansion. As a result, the first and second grades were moved to Olivet Baptist Church so that dual classes in the 7th through 9th grades could be run. These grades were eventually moved back on campus a year later, where rooms had to be subdivided in order to accommodate the students. The Class of 1961, according to teacher Maurine King, was credited with “providing the continuity that carried the Academy through the huge faculty and administrative turnover” (as quoted in The Power of Your Love: A History of Hawaii Baptist Academy, First 50 Years).

In 1962, a new principal came onboard. Carl H. Rambo presided over further enrollment increases (a 10% increase), a growing athletic program, and a strengthened curriculum in science, Bible, and mathematics. In 1963, a kindergarten class was established, and Wayne King became principal, followed by Byron F. Todd in 1964.

Yet, with all the changes in leadership, increase in enrollment, and shortage of funds and facilities, HBA continued to stand firm in its commitment to offer a quality and affordable Christian education in Hawaii. Tuition remained at about half of what was charged in other private schools, and professions of faith served as a persistent testament of the mission-oriented nature of the school, with 50 decisions for Christ in 1960 and 66 decisions for Christ in 1963. With its priorities in place and heart in the right direction, HBA began its second decade of existence with an assurance in God’s faithfulness and renewed faith in God’s providence for the future.