Founded by the renowned Father Damien Devester, better known as the father of the Apostle of Molokai Leper Settlement, he was first sent here to found a church at Puna/Kalapana area five miles south of where the church now stands. In 1927 Father Everist Gielen built the church and painted the upper section. Later on in the century (1964) George Heider from Athens, Georgia painted the lower panels to complete the interior of the church. The paintings and stained glass are interesting to view and definatly worth a stop although the surrounding grounds are somewhat bleak and sparse.

The church is now only open for the traveling public to visit as the congregation it was intended to minister moved due to the lava flow that wiped out their homes and businesses. It is located onn Highway 130 between mile marker 19 and 20 and is open 7 days a week 9-4.