Reedley Buddhist Church Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary

The Reedley Buddhist Church celebrated its 90th anniversary on April 25, and the long-anticipated event drew several former Sangha members from Northern and Southern California for the special occasion.

In all, an estimated crowd of nearly 140 individuals attended the celebration. 

The church honored Issei and Nisei generations along with this year’s honorees: Sue Kawamoto, Ben Kubota, Diane Kubota, Michio Miyamoto, Kathy Nishinaka and Ron Nishinaka. Collectively, the honorees have served the church in a number of vital roles such as church President, Buddhist Women’s Association President, on the board and as committee members. And they continue to volunteer their time to the church.

The day began with a group photo taken by Glenn Nakamichi of Nakamichi Photography, followed by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada leading the Dharma School children in a chigo procession.  

Rev. Harada was also the guest speaker for the anniversary service and noted all the changes that have occurred since the church was established 90 years ago. He congratulated the church and the efforts of past and present Sangha members for continuing to make the church a vital part of people’s lives.

The service was officiated by Reedley Resident Minister Rev. Mieko Majima with the assistance of Rev. Michael Endo, of the BCA Office of the Bishop, and Rev. Dr. Kazuaki Nakata, of the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple.  

In addition, a Kieshiki ceremony conducted by Rev. Harada was held for three individuals who received their Homyo, or Buddhist names: Abby Quiroz, Janet Quiroz and Mia Quiroz.

Following the service, a delicious banquet was held in the church social hall and catered by Pardini’s Catering of Fresno.  

Entertainment was provided by the Reedley Dharma School children singing a few popular songs, a wonderful Storigami show by magician and storyteller Yasu Ishida, and concluded with a video created by Chris Mukai showing the Reedley Buddhist Church over 90 years.

The Reedley Buddhist Church continues to welcome more members of the younger generation and hopes to pass on this rich history to them as we look forward to our centennial.