[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 131 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              TRIBUTE TO THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 1, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Buddhist Church of 
Sacramento. On October 16, 1999, this church will be celebrating its 
100th year anniversary. As the church members gather to celebrate, I 
ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting this monumental 
achievement.
  The Buddhist Church of Sacramento was established on December 17, 
1899. The first meeting was held that day at 1221 Third Street, and the 
next year, a temple building was purchased at 418 O Street. Today, this 
small gathering of people has grown to over 1,200 families from 
throughout Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano counties.
  In the past, this church has not been without its share of tragedy. 
On April 15, 1923, an arson fire destroyed the dormitory housing for 
children of working parents. Ten children perished in that fire. 
Additionally, after the outbreak of World War II and the issuance of 
Executive order 9066, Japanese-Americans from Sacramento were relocated 
to internment camps throughout the United States. During that time, the 
U.S. government assumed responsibilities for the church and used it as 
a military induction center.
  However, the members of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento have 
persevered. Two years after the infamous arson fire, the church members 
constructed a new temple. A social hall was constructed in 1937 to 
provide additional recreational and social facilities for the Japanese-
American community. As a result of the Sacramento Redevelopment 
Project, a new temple complex was constructed. It was dedicated on June 
27-28, 1959.
  Today, the church has grown to host several youth programs and 
events. For instance, over 200 community youths participate as members 
of Boy Scout Troop 50, Cub Scout Pack 50, and Girl Scout Troop 569. The 
church also sponsors various youth sports programs including 
basketball, volleyball, and golf.
  Community programs at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento are not 
limited to youth activities. The church hosts the Tanoshimi-kai, a 
weekly lunch program attended by 150 seniors. The church's facilities 
are open to various Bonsai and other Japanese cultural groups for 
meetings and gatherings. In addtion, the church conducts Japanese 
language classes, which are attended by over 100 students of all ages.
  One crowning achievement of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento is its 
involvement in the Triple R Day Care Program. The program, sponsored by 
the city of Sacramento since Spring, 1999, chose the church as its 
first satellite site, the first Asian program, and the first site 
hosted by a church. Currently, there are nine program participants.
  As a theme for this year's Centennial Celebration, the Buddhist 
Church has chosen: ``Gratitude, Dedication, Aspiration.'' This theme 
symbolizes the relationships of the past, present, and future at the 
church. It represents a time to reflect on the past, a time to 
celebrate the present, and a time to plan for the future.
  Mr. Speaker, as the exceptional people of the Buddhist Church of 
Sacramento gather to celebrate their church's centennial anniversary, I 
am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most outstanding 
organizations. The Buddhist Church of Sacramento's contributions to the 
youth and overall community are commendable. I ask all of my colleagues 
to join with me in wishing the church continued success in all its 
future endeavors.

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