Bachelot Memorial Hall Blessing Celebration
Maryknoll School recently celebrated a significant milestone with the grand reopening of the newly renovated Bachelot Memorial Hall, which now serves as the school's first-ever Performing Arts Center. Named after Father Alexis Bachelot, one of the pioneering Catholic missionaries to Hawaii, Bachelot Hall has been a cornerstone of our school's history and community since 1923.
The unveiling of the new Performing Arts Center was commemorated with a special evening ceremony and reception on Friday, August 23, 2024. Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva led the blessing of the facility, marking a momentous occasion that underscored both the spiritual and cultural significance of the building. The event was attended by members of the Maryknoll community, students, faculty, alumni, and donors who were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Bachelot Memorial Hall holds a special place in Maryknoll's history. From a gathering space for early parishioners to a hub for school activities, Bachelot Hall has been integral to the community's cultural and educational fabric. Recognizing its importance, Bachelot Memorial Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The recent renovations have not only preserved its historic charm but also elevated it to meet the needs of Maryknoll’s growing creative community.
The new Performing Arts Center is set to become the heart of Maryknoll's artistic endeavors. Designed to host a wide range of performances—from school-wide showcases in choir, dance, band, and theatre to individual class plays—the center is poised to nurture the artistic talents of current and future students. Beyond performances, the center will also serve as a space for science fairs, competitions, and daily student gatherings, making it a vibrant part of campus life.
Maryknoll School President Shana Tong ’83 expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “The transformation of Bachelot Hall into our new Performing Arts Center is a dream come true for the entire Maryknoll community. This space will not only nurture the artistic talents of our students but will also stand as a beacon of creativity and inspiration for generations to come.”
The renovation of Bachelot Memorial Hall is a testament to Maryknoll’s commitment to honoring its legacy while embracing the future. Significant improvements were made to the building’s acoustics, ensuring that every performance resonates with clarity and power. The addition of a new performance stage and rehearsal spaces marks a new chapter in the building’s storied history.
The successful completion of this project was made possible through the generous support of the Maryknoll and Sacred Heart Church communities—the capital campaign, launched in 2021, aimed to raise $3 million to fund the renovations. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Mrs. Mi and Dr. Tom Kosasa and the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, who contributed nearly $2 million in leadership gifts, the project was brought to fruition.
Maryknoll School extends its deepest gratitude to Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd., the contractor responsible for the construction, and Mason Architects, who, together with Coffman Engineers, ensured the building’s historical integrity was preserved while providing modern enhancements.
As the school year begins, Maryknoll School looks forward to seeing Bachelot Memorial Hall's new Performing Arts Center become a vibrant hub for creativity and expression. The entire Maryknoll community is invited to explore this revitalized space, which stands as a symbol of our shared history and our commitment to nurturing the talents of our students.
Stay tuned for upcoming performances and events at the new Performing Arts Center—a place where tradition meets innovation and the arts continue to thrive at Maryknoll School.
