125th Anniversary of Puna Hongwanji – Celebration October 16, 2027 and October 17, 2027
BRIEF HISTORY OF OLAA HONGWANJI NOW KNOWN AS PUNA HONGWANJI MISSION
In center front, Rev. Kyotetsu Toyota, 4th minister of Puna Hongwanji (1908-1909)
Puna Hongwanji Mission was found in 1902 when the Kyoto Honzan, at the request of Japanese immigrant workers, sent a minister to Olaa to serve the spiritual needs of the community through Jodo Shinshu teachings.
Reverend Shoju Hayashi arrived in January 1902 and delivered his first sermon on the second floor of Tomokichi Hara’s home. Land was subleased from Olaa Sugar Company, and a wooden traditional Japanese temple was built on the site where Puna Hongwanji Mission now stands. Construction began in mid-August 1902 and was completed within three months.
In 1937, the Board of Directors decided to construct a larger temple, two parsonages, and a kitchen because the congregation had outgrown the existing facilities. S.K. Oda Contracting Company was awarded the contract, and construction began in the early part of 1937. The entire cost was $27,000 and was paid for by donations from the members.
Olaa Hongwanji, before it became Puna Hongwanji.
Herbert Shipman, President of W.H. Shipman, Ltd. which was the lessor of Olaa Hongwanji, suggested that the mission change its name to Puna Hongwanji Mission, since it served the entire Puna District. He recommended to the Shipman Board of Directors that they donate to the mission the grounds and additional land, with the mission’s change of name. In 1957 the name of the temple was changed to Puna Hongwanji Mission.
At the 60th Anniversary, a new kitchen and dining room complex and new columbarium were built with the temple supplying the building material and the members providing the labor. The project was completed in December 1963.
Puna Hongwanji 75th Anniversary, October 16-17, 1976
During the 75th Anniversary the projects included construction of a parking lot, refinishing pews, covering the temple and office floors with vinyl tiles, renovating the conference room and kitchen, purchasing steel folding tables, installing a new loud-speaker system, and constructing store buildings. In conjunction with the 75th Anniversary the dedication of the grounds being donated by the Shipman family was held. A deed was officially presented by Roy Blackshear, on behalf of the Shipman family, to Puna Hongwanji Mission on October 17, 1976.
In 2000, Puna Hongwanji Mission began major renovations in preparation for the centennial in 2002. The temple and kitchen/dining room were re-roofed and the exteriors repainted. The social hall floor was leveled and an elevator installed providing easy access from the hall to the 2nd floor. In 2001 centennial projects continued with the landscaping of the temple grounds, creation of a memorial garden, construction of a new stage for the social hall, renovation of the parsonage and men’s restroom, and carpeting the Hondo. A special centennial project to erect a bronze statue of Shinran Shonin was started and funded entirely by member donations.
Puna Hongwanji Mission celebrated its Centennial on November 9-10, 2002.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We are planning a two-day event in which we invite the members, community, and friends to celebrate Puna Hongwanji’s 125th year in being in the Puna community. The two-day event is being planned for Saturday, October 16, 2027 and Sunday, October 17, 2027.
The theme is “Bridging Generations and Community: To a place of compassion and wisdom”.
Saturday, October 16, 2027 – Community Luncheon. A fee will be charged for the lunch with program. Come meet old friends and make new friends to reminisce. Come share what you remember and pass on the information to the future generations to ensure they hear your stories about your younger times growing up in the Puna area and the memories you may have by attending events at Puna Hongwanji.
Sunday, October 17, 2027 – Affirmation Service. During the Affirmation Service you will receive your Buddhist Name. This
Sunday, October 17, 2027 – Anniversary Service – This service will commemorate our 125 years of being in the Puna area serving as a Buddhist temple for our members and the community. After the service we will have a luncheon and program.
Stay tuned as we share more detailed information.
