|
Saturday September 14,
2002
Sunday September 15, 2002
The festivities on Sunday began with pitcure taking. Several hundred
people gathered in front of the Hondo for a mass picture in recognition
of the Centennial. Headed by Bishop Hakubun Watanabe, many past ministers
joined the Chigo Parade members and the Sangha members for an interesting
set of photos. Jim Nagareda and his crew from Nagareda Studios were on
hand to create the memories for the Temple.
Chigo Parade
The Chigo Parade was the first event of the day. Over 30 young children
participated in the parade that began in front of the Hondo, wound its
way into the heart of Japantown and then returned to the Hondo, ending
at the O-Naijin (alter). The children looked magnificent in their special
costumes and head pieces. Many people helped the children dress and helped
them keep the costumes in place during the parade. The children did a
wonderful job, even though they had their costumes on for well over 2
hours. Recorded gagaku music was played and broadcast throughout Japantown.
Back to Top
Centennial Service
Officiated by BCA Bishop Hakubun Watanabe with help from 13 past and
present ministers, the Centennial Service was a magnificent celebration
of the centennial event. The Service was chaired by Centennial Chairman
Michael Jones. Over 500 people filled the Hondo and the gym to attend
the service.
Reception
After the Centennial Service, a brief reception was held in the gym.
The reception was planned to give people a chance to chat with friends
and past ministers, and to walk through the display boards created by
many groups within the Betsuin. The display boards were coordinated by
Art Kumada and the Archives Committee.
Back to Top
Banquet
The culmination of our Centennial Weekend was an elegant banquet at the
Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose. The event was organized by Cindy
Iwamura and Reiko Iwanaga - and what a job they did. Hosted by local TV
personality Robert Handa, the event included video clips, performances
by San Jose Taiko and the San Jose Betsuin Junior Choir, and several short
speeches. Reverend Tetsuo Unno provided the keynote address in his usual,
entertaining style.
Back to Top
Our special guest for the evening was Mr. James Peckham. Mr. Peckham
was accompanied by his wife and daughter. It was Mr. Peckham's grandfather
who played a key role in preserving the assets of the Temple during the
World War II internment of Japanese Americans. Without his help, our Temple
may not have survived that dark period of American history.
The evening was one of elegance, style, grace, and lots of entertainment.
No better ending to the weekend's celebration could have been possible.
Back to Top
|
