The Orange County Buddhist Church, located in Anaheim, California, serves Orange, Riverside and Southern Los Angeles counties. The church membership of over 500 families includes residents from Norwalk and Whittier to the north, San Clemente to the south, Long Beach to the west and Riverside to the east -- a populous area of variegated landscape covering a thousand square miles.

Early Beginnings

     Like many fellow countrymen in their adopted land, the early Japanese settling here near the turn of the century took up farming as a means of livelihood. They raised such crops as sugar beets, chili peppers, and celery. Later years saw an increase in truck farms which furnished a variety of fresh produce for the dinner tables of the southland. Some early Japanese names in the Smeltzer area, now part of the city of Huntington Beach, included Tsurumatsu Asari, Yusei Egawa, Shigeru Nishimura, and Zenjiro Nishio. From about 1920, howakai (dharma talk gatherings) were held in private homes with ministers coming from Los Angeles 40 miles away.
     In the late 1920's, Sunday School was started for a few youngsters at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Toichi Kodama in Santa Ana. Ministers from the Los Angeles temple conducted the services in the Japanese language. Later, the services were held in a hall above a grocery store operated by Mr. and Mrs. Gunjiro Tashima of Wintersberg. The community is now part of the city of Huntington Beach.
     From 1931, a Sunday School utilized the facilities of the existing Japanese school in the farming community of Talbert, now part of the city of Fountain Valley.
     In 1932, a Young Women's Buddhist Association (YWBA) was organized with about 15 members. A year later a Young Men's Buddhist Associatoin (YMBA) was formed, again with about 15 members. Paul Nagamatsu of Talbert was its charter president. Rev. Hirofumi Kuwahara assisted in the formation of both groups. The clubs combined in 1935 to form the YBA with Paul Nagamatsu as president. Major activities included monthly devotional services, athletics, and religious conferences.

Construction of Church Building and Establishment as Branch of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji

     In 1935, a church building was erected on the property of Mr. and Mrs. Taikichi Kato on Bushard Avenue in Talbert, the first permanent church structure in the history of the Orange County Buddhist movement. The building was physically constructed by the Buddhist families in the area. In May of 1936, dedication service was held and the church was established as a branch of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. The Sangha was then composed of only a dozen families. Rev. Giko Abiko was in charge of the Sunday School, as well as the Japanese Language School, from 1938 until the outbreak of World War II. With the forced evacuation of all persons of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast in 1942, most of the Orange County Sangha was exiled to the Poston Relocation Center in Arizona.
     When the Japanese returned, the church building was reopened in 1946 as a hostel for those who did not have a place to live. After the people were resettled in permanent homes, Sunday School was resumed on Saturday mornings -- Sunday being a work day in the farming community -- followed by Japanese Language School in the afternoon. This was the beginning of the present day Orange County Japanese School, which is affiliated with the church.

Church moves to Stanton

     In early 1958, the group moved to Stanton, about eight miles north, with the purchase of a church building located on Flower St. A dedication service was held on February 1 of that year. Rev. Shoki Mohri, assigned in the latter part of 1957, was in charge of the church; Henry Y. Sawada of Stanton became the first president.
     Rev. Satoshi Hirata arrived in the latter part of 1958. At this time the Sunday School Teachers Staff was established. The Senior YBA was organized in 1959 with Jim Hiraoka as president.
     In 1959, a fund raising campaign was started for the main altar. The new altar was dedicated during Hanamatsuri service of the following year. This event was of great spiritual import for it aroused in the members the profound feeling that for the first time the Church was truly theirs.

Years of Rapid Growth

     A fund raising campaign for a new church building was initiated in September, 1962 with the realization that the expanding membership would soon out grow its quarters in one of the fastest growing regions in the nation. Bill H. Wada of Garden Grove was the church president during this crucial period. Incorporation of the church occured on May 6, 1963.

Church Progress since the 75th Anniversary of the BCA

     In the two and a half decades since the 75th anniversary of the BCA, the Orange County Buddhist Church has been challenged by a huge increase in the sustaining membership. Since 1965, the families as sustaining members increased from 85 to over 500 families at the present time. There was an acute need for rapid expansion of programs and facilities and future planning to accomodate the needs of the expanded Sangha.
     In 1972, acquisition of an adjacent property was made to locate a multipurpose building. The building, after much planning, was constructed in 1982. The MPB as it is referred to, is utilized seven days a week, with Dharma School classes on Sundays, martial arts practices and adult basketball on weekdays, Japanese school on Saturdays, and youth basketball practices and games on the weekends. This facility allowed the church to conduct all Japanese school classes on the church complex, rather than renting classroom space at neighboring Dale Junior High School. It is especially utilized at both major bazaars for dining and stage performances.
     The Orange County Buddhist Church Japanese Language School also had a rise in enrollment of students. It has grown from an initial enrollment of about twenty students with three teachers including the superintendent, Rev. Hirata, to an enrollment of over 600 students and a staff of 31 instructors. The school also became accredited for granting foreign language credits for Japanese I, II, III, and IV each year, making possible the accumulation of up to 40 units for four years of high school. Over the years, the Japanese Language School has graduated over 2563 students from the four categories. The school has been a major component of church activities and continues to flourish.
     Also within the past twenty five years, many affiliated organizations were either created or expanded to meet the needs of the increased membership of the church. The major affiliated organizations and their activities will be discussed further in the sections titled, Education and Propagation and the section titled, Cultural Programs.
     From the financial aspect, the church in the late 60's and early 70's experienced some lean years. As a result, many fund raising activities evolved so that with frugal measures such as using the many talents of the Sangha, expenses were kept down and fund raising activities included paper drives, parking lot sales, script sales, cookbook sales. The main fund raising activities were associated with the Hanamatsuri festival and Obon. An example of a fund raising project which was extremely successful was the cookbook project which printed and sold approximately 23,000 books. With these measures and fundraising activities, the church was able to meet its financial obligations for the hondo, classrooms and social hall in 1979, and the multipurpose building in 1986. The sustaining membership fees have not been raised since 1967 to the present time.
     Another example of a successful evolution of affiliated organizations has been the scouting program which began in 1978 with approximately 8 scouts. Since then, approximately 180 boys have participated, 62 achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and 65 earning the religious Sangha Award. This program has received strong parental support and is well organized. Currently the troop numbers over 70 and is growing. Following the successful troop 578, an equally successful Girl Scout program with scouts ranging from the youngest Daisies to the oldest Seniors has over 100 girls involved in the program. Within the past few years a Cub Scout pack was formed and has had a membership of over 50 boys. All of the scout organizations help at the major church activities, such as the general cleanup and bazaars.
     Looking forward, the church is currently in the process of building a minichapel and nokotsudo (columbarium). This will enable greater flexibility in scheduling of services, and will also provide easy overflow seating of the hondo. Long range plans may include expansion of the hondo and the establishment of a branch in the South Orange County area.
     The ministerial staff currently consists of Rev. Satoshi Hirata as the head resident minister, assisted by Rev. Marvin Harada. In 1965, Rev. Hirata was the sole minister, but was aided by part-time ministerial staff consisting of the late Rev. William Terao, Rev. John Ishihara, and Rev. Arthur Takemoto, who each served at various intervals between 1965 and 1986. Rev. John Doami continues to assist the ministerial staff as a part time minister from 1975 to the present. The current ministerial staff consists of two full time and one part time minister. Rev. Hirata was honored by the Ryukoku University Alumni Association in 1995 for his outstanding achievements at the Orange County Buddhist Church. This covered a period of 38 years in which he led the church to its present status.
     The Orange County Buddhist Church has been recognized by many outside organizations for activities related to community service. Recently, "Project Kokoro" was honored by the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California. This program was established by the late Bill Wada to serve the senior citizens. The intent was to enhance understanding between the Issei and the youth groups who provide the organizational manpower for this project.
     The Orange County Buddhist Church continues to serve the members of its Sangha and greater community. Religious services such as weddings, funerals, and memorial services are provided for both members of the Sangha and non members within the greater Orange County community. Its cultural programs reach hundreds of individuals throughout the area, and its youth programs help to involve many young people in wholesome religious, cultural and athletic activities. These young people grow up to become responsible adult members of the Orange County Buddhist Church, insuring its growth and continuation for generations to come.

     The religious education program at the Orange County Buddhist Church serves members of all ages at all levels of awareness and comprehension. As in most temples the Dharma School is the most visible component of the educational program. We are fortunate to have a thriving Dharma School with a continually increasing enrollment due to young Buddhist families still moving into the area served by the temple. An equally vigorous educational agenda for adults encompasses a broad range of activities from formal classes to seminars to informal discussion sessions. Thanks to the dedication of our ministers, Rev. Hirata, Rev. Harada, and Rev. Doami, and the Dharma School staff, the Orange County Buddhist Church is able to fulfill its prime mission of religious development.

Services

     For many members, young and old, the ministers' Dharma message at the regular Sunday service affords the primary opportunity to listen to the Teachings. During the major Buddhist holidays special services are held with guest ministers invited to address the Sangha, in English and Japanese. The monthly evening memorial services provide additional opportunities to listen to the Dharma while paying respects to loved ones who have passed on.

Dharma School

     The primary objective of the Orange County Dharma School is to promote and spread the teachings of the Buddha and to help the students have a better understanding of Jodo Shinshu. The Dharma School curriculum consists of Buddhist Holidays, Buddhist Etiquette, the Life of the Buddha, the Life of Shinran Shonin, and many other Buddhist related topics.
     Currently there are approximately 200 active students registered in the Dharma School. There are twelve classes from pre-school to college age. About twelve students from the second to the sixth grade are members of the Orange County Dharma School Choir.
     Many temple members are involved with the Dharma School. Most of the volunteers are parents of Dharma School children. Fifty-five staff members teach in the classroom, help in the library and with resources, serve on the hospitality committee, organize the Sunday services, and baby-sit infants and toddlers.
     A governing body within the Dharma School staff is made up of a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Publicity/Historian. Monthly staff meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month to discuss activities and to share ideas of teaching topics and techniques.

Teachers' Conferences

     Teachers attend the Southern District Dharma School Teachers' Conference and the Federation of Dharma School Teachers' Conference. These annual gatherings provide them with an opportunity to share and discuss ways in which Buddhism can be exposed to the students. Ministers are involved in the workshops and provide teachers with guidance. By attending these conferences teachers are always learning new things about Jodo Shinshu which in turn benefit the students.

Adult Classes

     In conjunction with the Dharma School classes, classes for adults are conducted in English by Rev. Doami and in Japanese by Rev. Hirata. Study sessions range from discussions on general Buddhism to intensive study of Jodo Shinshu utilizing texts and other materials. Topics in comparative religions are also covered.. In the Japanese session one of the subjects is everyday Japanese expressions which have their origin in Buddhism. In addition to these formal classes, all three ministers take turns every Sunday in presenting subjects of a more general nature to a larger group of parents and adults.

Summer Session

     After Obon the Dharma School takes a recess until September when the school year begins. During the summer months the ministers take turns conducting an informal discussion session every Sunday morning.

Special Class in Buddhism

     From time to time, Rev. Harada conducts a series of evening classes to those persons who desire a basic understanding of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. The response has been excellent. Subjects covered include life of Sakyamuni Buddha, basic teachings of Buddhism, life of Shinran Shonin, basics of the Pure Land Teaching, description and meaning of the altar, and everyday Buddhist practices and observances.

Special Translation Class

     Rev. Harada conducts an on-going translation study class in which Buddhist materials are translated from the Japanese to English. Discussion is then held on the translated materials.

Orange County Buddhist Church Seminars

     For a number of years the Orange County Buddhist Church has held a one day seminar twice a year during the Spring and Fall Ohigan. These seminars are organized by the Religious Vice President, assisted by the ministers, and have both English and Japanese sessions. Guest ministers are invited to conduct the seminars. Temple members look forward to these gatherings as they allow exposure to Jodo Shinshu from various viewpoints.

Howakai

     Home gatherings have been conducted to accomodate families living in newly developing areas of the county relatively far from the temple. The mostly young families have generously offered their homes as a gathering place for appreciative members to listen to the Dharma. Presently a monthly howakai is held for members in the Irvine, or South Orange County area.

Conferences and Seminars

     Buddhist Women's Association (BWA)
     Members of the Orange County BWA participate in district and national meetings annually and the World Conference every four years. Educational opportunities are presented by special speakers and panel discussions. Discussion topics are relevant primarily to Buddhist women.
     At the temple level, an annual Eshinni-sama memorial service is combined with a memorial service for deceased BWA members. Ministers present Dharma messages in Japanese and English.

     Junior Young Buddhist Association (Jr. YBA)
     Members of the Jr. YBA participate in an annual two-day District Conference. Educational agenda items include services, speakers, workshops, and discussions. The range of subjects include those of interest to youths. The Orange County Jr. YBA hosts the conference every six or seven years.
     A southern district retreat is held offsite at a campground. This two-day event has its emphasis on a religious program with in-depth discussion of general Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. Also, an Orange County Jr. YBA retreat is held occasionally at the temple.
     Southern district seminars are held twice a year and is hosted by different chapters. Services, speakers, and panel discussions make up the educational aspect of these gatherings.

     Senior Young Buddhist Association (Sr. YBA)
     Members of the Sr. YBA attend the annual one day district conference and the annual weekend Western Young Buddhist League (WYBL) Conference hosted by one of the districts on a rotation basis every four or five years. Services, speakers, and discussions are offered as part of the religious educational program.

     Young Adult Buddhist Association (YABA)
     Services, speakers, and discussions make up the educational program of the annual Cal-YABA Conference at which Orange County members participate.

     Southern District Shinto-taikai (Adult Buddhist Conference)
     Orange County members participate in the annual Shinto-taikai and listen to the Dharma messages presented by various speakers.

     Sangha Teens
     Rev. Harada presents a Dharma message annually for the Sangha Teens (7th to 9th grade students) as part of their religious program.

Sangha/Padma/ Award Class

     About every other year, classes are held for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who wish to earn the Sangha/Padma award. Dharma School students who are not in the scouting program also participate and receive recognition for completion of the course. The number of participants range from 15 to 25. Classes are held twice a month in the evening for one year, and cover the fundamentals of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. As part of the program a short service is conducted at the beginning of each class in which one student leads the sutra chanting and another student gives a short talk on Buddhism. Students are required to write essays, take examinations, and answer questions before a final board of review.

Monshinko

     As part of the monthly Monshinko meeting, Rev. Hirata gives a message in Japanese. Subjects include such topics as Buddhist etiquette, Buddhist holidays, incense offering, the meaning of the sutras, and basic Shinshu practices.

Library

     A main function of the temple library is to provide the Dharma School teachers with the reference and teaching materials needed to assist them in sharing the Dharma with the students. The library is available to all temple members and is a valuable resource in furthering the understanding of Buddhism. There is an extensive selection of books on Jodo Shinshu, Theravada, and Zen Buddhist teachings available for loan. In addition, the library has a continually growing selection of video tapes for use in the classroom and for home viewing.
     The library also serves as the temple book store. A variety of books on art and poetry, Japanese history and culture, and children's stories are for sale. Ritual items such as ojuzu, obutsudan, incense, and candles are also available for purchase. The library is open each Sunday morning under the supervision of the Dharma School.

Korin

     An important feature of the temple's monthly bilingual newsletter are the messages contributed by the ministers. Often times the minister's Sunday sermons are reproduced. At other times, thoughtful essays are presented for contemplation by the members. These articles serve the members who are confined to their homes and those who are unable to attend the services on a regular basis.

Senior Citizens Gathering

     Once a month the Buddhist Women's Association sponsors a senior citizens gathering. A vital part of the enjoyable day which includes lunch, birthday recognitions, and socializing, is the Dharma message presented by Rev. Hirata in Japanese to the attendees who are fluent in that language. A major topic is an explanation fo Shinran Shonin's Wasan (poems) which he wrote in his later years.

Outside Speaking Requests

     On numerous occasions, Rev. Harada is asked to speak at schools, colleges, and churches in the community. Despite his heavy workload he responds to these requests as much as possible to educate the interested parties about our religion.
     Annually Rev. Harada spends time at the Los Angeles Buddhist Coordinating Council Summer Camp in the San Bernadino mountains, which is a week long Buddhist camp for children from the various temples in Southern California, including temples of different Buddhist denominations than Jodo Shinshu. At the camp, ministers conduct morning services with Dharma messages and also conduct religious classes for the children of ages 8 to 13.

     Cultural programs at the Orange County Buddhist Church were officially begun when the present location became the permanent home for the Sangha. There was a very strong desire on the part of the many members to pass on to the ensuing generations, many of the customs and culture of our ancestors. There was also a need to accomodate and provide an outlet for the talents of many trained practitioners of various disciplines in Japanese cultural arts.
     This serendipitous marriage has provided the church over the years with outstanding teachers who have trained their students well, in disciplines that span the spectrum of almost every imaginable cultural art form.

Japanese School

     A small Japanese language class was started in a remote Orange County farmland over 50 years ago. Shortly after World War II, every Saturday a minister came to the small classroom all the way from the Los Angeles Hongwanji Betsuin and taught the Japanese language class. Along with the general population explosion during the 1950's and 1960's, a number of young Japanese American families found new homes in Orange County. Likewise, the Japanese school enrollment increased to more than 100 in the early 1960's. During the 1970's, as the Orange County Buddhist Church membership continued to expand, the student body made a phenomenal growth to 400 by the middle of the decade.
     Students in the early years attended only up to the sixth grade completing the elementary school division. By 1964 many students started completing a nine year junior high school division course. In 1974 the school established the senior high school division and in 1977 the first group of students graduated from the twelve year course of Japanese language study. Today the school affers a comprehensive Japanese language education from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
     During the 1980's the school enfollment had grown to 600 students and 31 instructors and had become the largest Saturday Japanese language school in the United States. In the early 1970's the Japanese school began researching the provisions of California Education Code 8705-8707. The California law authorized public schools to grant a high school foreign language credit for lessons offered at a private Japanese language school. After several years of negotiations, the Board of Education in each school district adopted a regulation authorizing its public high schools to allow the Japanese language credit starting in 1976. Since then, the school has been offering the Japanese I, II, III and IV credit tests each year and those students who successfully pass the tests have been granted the credit from their public schools up to 40 units in four high school years. About 50 students receive ten units of high school credit each year. The fine reputation of this institution is a testimony to the quality of its educators and administration.

Ikebana

     One of the very first classes started at the church was begun in 1965 by Madame Shunsui Kamimura. Currently there are some thirty members. Madame Kamimura teaches the classic Ikenobo style of flower arrangement that utilizes the beauty of live cut flowers. Ikebana is a much anticipated exhibit at the Hanamatsuri festival due to the beauty of the arrangements created by the students.

Aikido

     In 1965, the church asked the late Mr. Harry Ishisaka, who at the time was head instructor of the Orange County Aiki Kai, to put on a demonstration of Aikido at the Hanamatsuri Festival. To this day this same group has annually performed this much acclaimed activity at the celebration of Buddha's birthday. In the meantime in 1979, the church was approached by Dr. Dan Kawakami to start a class in Aikido. Approximately 20 students turned up for the initial class. Today, there are some thirty students combined in the adult and children's classes.

Nihon Buyo (Japanese Classical Dancing)

     Madame Misao Bando (Ms. Nancy Shibata) has taught odori to many of the young ladies and young men of Orange County since 1970. Her students have performed at many public as well as private functions and are especially in demand at commemorations and festivals at church. Madame Bando also is head instructor for the annual Obon Festival/Bon Odori, where she teaches the dance steps to many assistants, who in turn teach the students. Japanese Classical Dancing is one of the most recognized forms of Japanese culture.

Koto

     In 1976 Koto lessons began under the direction of Madame Hiromi Hashibe. There were about 5 students in the initial class and there are about 10 students today. The class meets once a week on Tuesdays.

Kimekomi Dolls

     Mrs. Kyuka Kanesaka, Master of Kimekomi Doll making of the Kyugetsu School, began the classes in 1981 with between 15 to 16 students. Today there are 5 serious practitioners. The class works on summer programs to interest young students in the culture of Japan and makes art objects to display at Mother's Day and Hanamatsuri.

Taiko

     The OCBC Daion Taiko, which was formed in 1978 by approximately a dozen adults and children under the guidance of Sharon Koga of the Kinnara Taiko Group, has become a force in the development of the taiko movement. The group welcomes new young members and encourages participation at all levels. The activity has proven itself to be a dynamic and wholesome endeavor for many of our young members and many have continued their association to this day. Currently, Greg Matsuura, an original organizer, is the leader.

Kendo

     Mr. Yoshimichi Takeda started Kendo classes in 1978 with a handful of students. During the ensuing years, membership in the Southern California Kendo Federation has kept the group busy with local as well as national and international tournaments. One outstanding example has been Jason Yamamoto, who as a preteen started as a student of the OCBC Kendo Club and went on to become a semifinalist in an international tournament in France. Currently, he is furthering his studies in both Japanese and Kendo in Japan. The group sponsors its own tournament on every fifth anniversary of its founding. Practice is held every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Dye Coloring

     The fabric dye coloring class was started by Mrs. Yoshiko Urushidani in 1986. Classes are held every other Monday mornings.

Demonstrations

     Many other cultural groups have given demonstrations of their specialties at special Hanamatsuri festivals and other church functions. Some, such as the All Japan Karate Federation, led by Mr. Fumio Demura, has supported the church by appearing at every Hanamatsuri for the past thirty years.

     Other classes and clubs who have been regular exhibitors at OCBC functions are as follows: Clay Doll making, Bonsai, Koi Club, Bunka Shishu (Embroidery), Sumi-e (brush painting), Sword, Chigiri-e, Origami, Oriental Antiques, Kamon (Family crests), Shuji (Japanese Calligraphy), Okinawa Buyo, Suna-e (Sand painting).