1999CRE2014 TRIBUTE TO THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO
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[Congressional Record: October 1, 1999 (Extensions)]
[Page E2014]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr01oc99-58]
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TRIBUTE TO THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO
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HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 1, 1999
Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Buddhist Church of
Sacramento. On October 16, 1999, this church will be celebrating its
100th year anniversary. As the church members gather to celebrate, I
ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting this monumental
achievement.
The Buddhist Church of Sacramento was established on December 17,
1899. The first meeting was held that day at 1221 Third Street, and the
next year, a temple building was purchased at 418 O Street. Today, this
small gathering of people has grown to over 1,200 families from
throughout Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano counties.
In the past, this church has not been without its share of tragedy.
On April 15, 1923, an arson fire destroyed the dormitory housing for
children of working parents. Ten children perished in that fire.
Additionally, after the outbreak of World War II and the issuance of
Executive order 9066, Japanese-Americans from Sacramento were relocated
to internment camps throughout the United States. During that time, the
U.S. government assumed responsibilities for the church and used it as
a military induction center.
However, the members of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento have
persevered. Two years after the infamous arson fire, the church members
constructed a new temple. A social hall was constructed in 1937 to
provide additional recreational and social facilities for the Japanese-
American community. As a result of the Sacramento Redevelopment
Project, a new temple complex was constructed. It was dedicated on June
27-28, 1959.
Today, the church has grown to host several youth programs and
events. For instance, over 200 community youths participate as members
of Boy Scout Troop 50, Cub Scout Pack 50, and Girl Scout Troop 569. The
church also sponsors various youth sports programs including
basketball, volleyball, and golf.
Community programs at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento are not
limited to youth activities. The church hosts the Tanoshimi-kai, a
weekly lunch program attended by 150 seniors. The church's facilities
are open to various Bonsai and other Japanese cultural groups for
meetings and gatherings. In addtion, the church conducts Japanese
language classes, which are attended by over 100 students of all ages.
One crowning achievement of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento is its
involvement in the Triple R Day Care Program. The program, sponsored by
the city of Sacramento since Spring, 1999, chose the church as its
first satellite site, the first Asian program, and the first site
hosted by a church. Currently, there are nine program participants.
As a theme for this year's Centennial Celebration, the Buddhist
Church has chosen: ``Gratitude, Dedication, Aspiration.'' This theme
symbolizes the relationships of the past, present, and future at the
church. It represents a time to reflect on the past, a time to
celebrate the present, and a time to plan for the future.
Mr. Speaker, as the exceptional people of the Buddhist Church of
Sacramento gather to celebrate their church's centennial anniversary, I
am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most outstanding
organizations. The Buddhist Church of Sacramento's contributions to the
youth and overall community are commendable. I ask all of my colleagues
to join with me in wishing the church continued success in all its
future endeavors.
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