[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF 
                                 FLORIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2019

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with delight that I rise to honor 
the 1OOth Anniversary of the Buddhist Church of Florin as the 
congregation and greater community gathers for this historic occasion. 
This historical Church has served as the heart of the Florin Japanese-
American community and a hub for social and religious gatherings alike.
  In the 1890's, the Issei arrived in Florin and thrived in our region. 
In 1919, a few decades after the Issei's arrival, Japanese-American 
strawberry and grape farmers from Florin, Mayhew, and Elk Grove 
gathered to form the Buddhist Church of Florin. Tragically, World War 
II brought turmoil to our community and the church with Executive Order 
9066. Because of the order of the relocation of all persons of Japanese 
ancestry, the church was locked and not in use until residents returned 
to the region after release.
  Since the return of the congregation, the Buddhist Church of Florin 
has flourished and is now dedicated to sharing the wisdom and 
compassion of the Buddhist teachings, remembering the history of the 
Issei and Florin, and most importantly, provide a space for the 
community to connect. The Church provides social and cultural events, 
monthly low-cost lunches for seniors, and youth athletics such as 
basketball and martial arts.
  Madam Speaker, as Florin residents and the greater community gather 
to celebrate this momentous day, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Buddhist Church of Florin.

                          ____________________