Serving Hilo since 1869 ~ Serving you today!
Introducing Our Staff
How to reach us:
Office Phone 808-935-5914
Office email address: fupchilo@hawaiiantel.net
Rev. Lawrence E. Walter ~ Pastor
The Walter family joined FUPC in December of 2003. Rev. Walter is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and a graduate of the Pacific School Of Religion (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California). While at PSR he received the Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Counseling in 1970 and the Master of Divinity degree in 1971. He served parishes in the Northern California Nevada Conference of the UCC for over thirty years before coming to Hilo. Larry and Debbie have two children: Erik is a junior at the University of Hawaii, Hilo; Kristin resides in Yuba City, California and works as a Physician Recruiter for the Sutter Hospital System in Sacramento..
Faye Persson ~ Administrative Assistant
Faye's voice will greet you on the phone and her happy smile will welcome you when you stop by for a visit. Faye has been our Secretary and Administrative Assistant since 2002. She oversees virtually every dimension of church life and program scheduling. Faye is also active in our Church School.
Clarence Waipa ~ Choir Director
Clarence Waipa, Choir Director, was born in Hilo, attended schools in Hilo and received his Bachelor Arts degree from California State University at Los Angeles. While playing professional music on the West Coast for twelve years, he appeared in several motion pictures and television shows. Upon his return to Hilo in 1967, he chaired the Fine Arts Discipline at Saint Joseph’s High School for nearly 40 years. He was music director for Sing-Out in Hilo for seven years and currently directs the chancel choirs at First United Protestant and Seventh-Day Adventist churches. He also directs the Kamehameha School’s Alumni Choir, “Na Leo Mele O Kamehameha No Hilo”.
Michael Springer ~ Organist
Michael Springer... One of the most well known and highly respected organists on the Big Island has worked for the Hawai'i State Department of Education for 21 years as a music teacher, including teaching assignments at Ka'u High School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School and Hawai'i District Music Resource Teacher. Presently, Michael is serving as choral director for the Kamehameha High School, Hawai'i Campus. Michael started as as choir singer at FUPC in 1976, became organist in 1978, and continues to play for services at FUPC and Haili Church's Cantata Choir.
This page last updated 7/1/08