Venice Hongwanji Celebrates 65th Anniversary on March 9

Theme for Event Was ‘Celebrating Our Past and Looking to the Future’

It was a day filled with nostalgia, joy and emotion as over 250 members and friends joined in the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (VHBT).   

The theme for the event, which was held on March 9, was “celebrating our past and looking to the future” and a good time was had by all. 

VHBT began as a branch temple of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. It was located in the Venice and Westside community with its roots in celery farming. The current property was purchased and dedicated in 1963, and the temple became an independent temple of the Buddhist Churches of America in 1976. 

The anniversary festivities began with a traditional Chigo parade from the Venice Japanese Community Center (VJCC) to the temple, with parade participants ranging from ages 2 to 95, including 16 youngsters donning traditional Chigo costumes, members of Cub Pack 79 and Girl Scout Troop 5325 in uniform and serving as flag bearers; followed by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada, current and former temple presidents and Komon, and many members and friends.  

The parade was aided by local Los Angeles Police Department officers and Los Angeles Fire Department Station 62, which brought a fire truck and kept the streets clear as the parade made the short journey to the temple.

The anniversary service featured messages from Rev. Harada (and his friend Freddy the Frog), and the temple’s first Resident Minister, BCA Minister Emeritus Rev. George Matsubayashi.  

The Hondo was treated to the resonance of nine ministers chanting from the Onaijin. During the service, a special recognition was given to Rev. George and Mrs. Kay Matsubayashi, who were honored for their longtime support and efforts and especially for guiding the temple and Sangha in the early years.  

They were joined by family members as the VHBT Family Room, the room adjacent to the Hondo that was once part of the Matsubayashi residence, was dedicated to them in appreciation for their efforts.

The celebration continued at the VJCC with a luncheon, kicking off with a celebratory toast led by former BCA President Mil Kurashige (and VHBT past president and current Komon) and three generations of his family, who all grew up at the temple.  

Attendees were treated to a video by our resident filmmaker Ken Chen featuring interviews of Sangha members sharing their memories of VHBT, followed by a historical slide show of the past 65 years compiled by Ron Gee.  

All four of VHBT’s current and past Resident Ministers were in attendance, and Rev. George Matsubayashi, Rev. Nobuo Miyaji, Rev. John Iwohara and Rev. Kory Quon were recognized for their service and dedication to the temple.  

Rev. Quon was also recognized for celebrating his 10th year at the temple.    

Guests were treated to a delicious bento lunch, along with famous tea cakes from our friends at Angel Maid Bakery, served by many Girl Scout volunteers.  

The tables of the VJCC gymnasium were beautifully decorated by our Sangha Teens and Jr. YBA members, including floral and decorative centerpieces, including miniature versions of temple happi coats.  

Guests young and less young also enjoyed taking pictures in the photo booth, which resulted in photos with an image of the temple in the background to take home with them.

Grateful Crane Ensemble was the featured entertainment. The ensemble performed a variety of numbers tied to their original story on the history of the temple, which included numbers such as “Sukiyaki,” “VHBT” (performed to the YMCA theme), “What a Wonderful World” and even “Ondokusan.”   They closed with “Tanko Bushi,” which prompted a “flash mob” led by Rev. Harada.  

The “Venice Spirit” was on display throughout the event and a good time was had by all and as we look toward the next 65 years, the future of the temple was also in clear view, starting with the young Chigo participants and support of our youth groups, Cub Pack 79, Girl Scout Troop 5325, Sangha Teens, Jr. YBA and VJCC Boy Scout Troop 764.    

Thank you to the planning committee and volunteers who made this celebration a day to remember, and we thank all who joined us in the celebration.