This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Buddhist Church of Fowler Dharma School’s founding, and alumni, teachers and parents will be holding a centennial reunion on May 28.
The Nembutsu teachings were first heard in Fowler in 1901, the same year that the Fresno Betsuin was founded and Fowler became the Betsuin’s first branch. As the Nisei generation started appearing, Rev. Itsuzo Kyogoku and Mrs. Kyogoku decided to start the Fowler Buddhist Sunday School in 1923.
Through the years, hundreds of students, including four women who have become minister’s wives, or Bomori, and several Tokudo recipients have roots in this “inaka,” or country Dharma School.
All past students of the Buddhist Church of Fowler’s Dharma School are invited to come pay respects to your loved ones for Memorial Day and then join us for this once-in-a-lifetime 100th year reunion.
For further information and registration, please contact Barton Ashida at b.ashida@sbcglobal.net or call 559-284-2955.