Pasadena Temple Is Temporarily Closed

Next Step Is Remediation Work Caused by Eaton Fire

FYI:

To donate to the Pasadena Buddhist Temple and Parsonage Fire Recovery Fund, go to: bit.ly/4kjhFzF

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The Pasadena Buddhist Temple (PBT) temporarily closed its doors to the general public on May 19.

The last in-person service was held on Sunday, May 18, with the family service officiated by Resident Minister Rev. Gregory Gibbs.

The temple’s closure allows it to prepare to conduct remediation work as a result of the Eaton Fire that ravaged the Altadena and Pasadena communities in January. 

“The temple is closed from now until at least through the end of June,” Rev. Gibbs said. “We anticipate the closure to be between five or six weeks.”

PBT leaders are waiting to hear from the insurance company to receive the go ahead to begin treatment, repair work and testing.

“We regret any inconvenience. We will post on our website the exact dates for when the work will begin,” the PBT Hikari online newsletter stated on May 18. 

Most of the damage occurred within four sections of the property affected by smoke and ash damage and will require treatment and repair, including the main building housing the Hondo, along with the basement storage and former classrooms. 

The classroom, office, dining and kitchen annex attached to Sakai Hall (gymnasium, kitchen, stage and storage) will require repair, as well as the minister’s residence.

The Hondo building sustained some burning, in addition to smoke and ash infiltration, according to numerous reports. Fortunately, the windows and glass doors in the parsonage were recently replaced and the parsonage was relatively well-sealed. 

PBT hopes the Sangha and community friends will consider donating to its Temple and Parsonage Fire Recovery Fund to help pay for repairs.

PBT has a goal of raising $100,000, which is approximately a quarter of estimated recovery costs. This fund is intended to pay for amounts not covered by insurance, FEMA or SBA loans.

To donate to the Pasadena Buddhist Temple and Parsonage Fire Recovery Fund, visit https://givebutter.com/MCIzEq. If donating by check or cash, you can pledge online and/or download and print a donation form.

Meanwhile, temple leaders have been discussing the possibility of conducting Sunday services during the closure online on PBT’s YouTube channel, according to Rev. Gibbs.

As for activities that were occurring at the temple before the shutdown, tai chi classes have been held outdoors outside the temple gate. Weekly study classes led by Rev. Gibbs have been suspended. 

The weekly food distribution program to community families affected by the Eaton Fire will move from PBT to the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute (PJCI).

Other activities impacted by the closure include cancellation of the temple June bingo fundraiser, BWA White Elephant sale and Silent Auction. 

In addition, the temple canceled rentals to the gym to the Pasadena Bruins (Japanese American basketball club) and CYC basketball league (Japanese American Los Angeles area boys league).

If all goes according to plan, the temple hopes to return to in-person activity by the second week in July. 

PBT’s Bon Odori is scheduled for July 19 but planning cannot move forward until details are concretely determined. 

“Worst case scenario is that we will hold Odori outside the temple gate,” Rev. Gibbs added. PBT is not planning for an alternate venue for its Obon. 

BCA Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada has begun paying visits to the PBT Sangha members who lost their homes or business and is presenting gifts from the Gomonshu and Honzan. Gifts include a home Obutsudan, onenju, monto shikisho and Jodo Shinshu texts. 

Grateful Crane Ensemble provided a special, free performance for fire victims at the PJCI along with two koto players from PJCI and PBT.