Names in the News

One of the most influential leaders in Southern Baptist work in Hawaii, Dan Hen Chong Kong, died March 14 in Honolulu after a brief illness. He was 76.

Kong's ministry spanned more than 50 years, including his service as pastor of local churches, executive director of the Hawaii Baptist Convention (now Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention) and president of Hawaii Baptist Academy.

In 1954, Kong became the first Hawaii-born pastor of a Hawaii Southern Baptist church when he was called to First Baptist Church in Wahiawa, the oldest SBC-affiliated congregation in the islands. He moved to Olivet Baptist Church in Honolulu in 1960 and remained there until 1973 when he became development director for Hawaii Baptist Academy. After serving as executive director for the state convention from 1983-88, Kong returned to the school as president.

Kong is survived by his wife Mary Eleanor; four daughters, Danette Poole, Mary Verdine Kong, Edna Marie Kong and Betty-Jo DeFries; and three grandchildren.