History of Senshin

From a Japanese School to a hostel to an indepedent Temple

1928: SENSHIN GAKUIN

Senshin Temple began as Senshin Gakuin, a Japanese language school and Sunday School conducted by Rev. and Mrs. Junin Ono from the Los Angeles Honpahongwanji Buddhist Temple (which became the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Betsuin in 1931). The original location was 1239 West 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA.

The purpose was twofold: To teach the Japanese language, and to establish a Sunday School to impart the teachings of Shinran Shonin.

1930’s

Rev. Ono was succeeded by Rev. Hirofumi Kuwahara in 1932. As enrollment grew, Denver University graduates Ryokichi and Kyoshiro Tokunaga were added to the Staff

The Fujinkai, now known as the Buddhist Women’s Association, was started.

In the mid 1930’s the Senshin Young Men’s and Women’s Buddhist Association was formed for young people 18 to 24. After the end of World War II these two groups would merge to be called Senior Young Buddhist Association.

1938: NEW BUILDING

In March of 1938, Rev. Bunpo Kuwatsuki took over, and a new building was built at 1336 West 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA. The building consisted of an auditorium with stage and dressing room, office, kitchen, restroom, and four classrooms.

Rev. Jotetsu Ono replaced Rev. Kuwatsuki just prior to the U.S. entering World War II. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into the war, all Japanese and Japanese~Americans on the west coast were interned in prison camps. The new educational complex and altar that was built in 1938 at 1336 W. 36th P1. was boarded up for the duration of the war. Fortunately the new building was completely paid for and placed under the care of Rev. Julius Goldwater, the first Caucasian minister of Jodoshinshu who was assigned to the Los Angeles Betsuin. Rev. Goldwater cared for the belongings of the internees that were stored at the Betsuin while keeping in touch with the internees in the various camps, bringing them what he could.

1938: NEW BUILDING

In March of 1938, Rev. Bunpo Kuwatsuki took over, and a new building was built at 1336 West 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA. The building consisted of an auditorium with stage and dressing room, office, kitchen, restroom, and four classrooms.

Rev. Jotetsu Ono replaced Rev. Kuwatsuki just prior to the U.S. entering World War II. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into the war, all Japanese and Japanese~Americans on the west coast were interned in prison camps. The new educational complex and altar that was built in 1938 at 1336 W. 36th P1. was boarded up for the duration of the war. Fortunately the new building was completely paid for and placed under the care of Rev. Julius Goldwater, the first Caucasian minister of Jodoshinshu who was assigned to the Los Angeles Betsuin. Rev. Goldwater cared for the belongings of the internees that were stored at the Betsuin while keeping in touch with the internees in the various camps, bringing them what he could.

The Gakuin was formally incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the State of California.

POST WWII

With the end of the war on August 11, 1945, the Japanese began to return from the camps. Rev. Goldwater requested permission to convert the Gakuin into a hostel for returning families until they could find accommodations elsewhere. The hostel was run by Rev. Goldwater, Rev. & Mrs. Kanmo Imamura, and Rev. Arthur Takemoto (then a student).

From 1945 to 1947, the hostel provided temporary housing for many families as they came out of the camps and until they could find temporary housing of their own. Rev. Kyoshiro Tokunaga, then a student from Japan began to teach Japanese language at Senshin and Rev. Kuwatsuki from the Los Angeles Betsuin began religious programs in 1947. It was during these years that the Gakuin flourished in the center of the Japanese~American community known as “Seinan” or “south-west” Los Angeles.

1950’s

On May 1, 1951, the Senshin Gakuin became the Senshin Buddhist Church, an independent church with Rev. Bumpo Kuwatsuki of the Betsuin being asked to become the founding minister, assisted by Rev. Koyo Tamanaha.

1955-1959 would see the arrival of Rev. Taitetsu Unno in 1957 as a Associate Minister for young people. In 1958 Rev. Kuwatsuki departed and Rev. Gibun Kimura took over as Head Minister. This time frame also saw the formation of the Dana Guild and Scouting Unit 636 (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Post). To complement the Cub and Boy Scouts, the Golden Chain (for elementary school girls) and the Amomas (Junor High School girls) were created.

1960’s

In 1960 Rev. Kimura was transfered to Fresno and Rev. Enryo Unno took over. By 1962 Rev. Taitetsu Unno resigned and his brother Rev. Tetsuo Unno replaced him.

On May 1, 1966 a dedication ceremony was held to commemorate the completion of a new Education Building and Minister’s parsonage. This coincided with the 15th Anniversary as a independent temple.

The five-year $250,000 plan was launched in 1963 to purchase three additional lots to the east of the old Hondo. Groundbreaking began in the spring of 1965.

In 1968 Rev. Tets Unno would depart to pursue higher studies and newly ordained Minister Masao Kodani would be assigned to Senshin.

1970’s

In 1970 Rev. Enryo Unno retired, and Rev. Hoshin Fujikado took over as Head Minister

On August 8, 1971, the 20th Anniversary of the independence of the Temple was observed. It was milestone that saw a Mortgage Burning Ceremony clearing the encumbrance on the completed temple complex just five years after its completion. It was a monument to the dedication, perseverance, and dana of the Sangha to preserve and enable future generations to follow in the footsteps of Shinran Shonin.

BCA 75th Anniversary, Honoring Shinmon Koshin Otani, Sept 1974

In 1978, after 10 years of service, Rev. Kodani becomes the Head Minister. Rev. Fujikado stays on as Assistant Minister

Senshin Sangha Teens, a social group for 7th-9th graders was formed and would last off and on for over 30 years. The Senshin Carnival that began in the early 1950’s came to an end.

1980’s

In 1985, Senshin Buddhist Church officially changed its name to the more appropriate Senshin Buddhist Temple.

1985-1989 would see the retirement of Rev. Fujikado, the closing of Senshin Gakuin after more than 50 years, and the disbanding of the Senshin Scouting Unit.

Rennovations were made to the Social Hall, the entrance from 36th Pl. was closed and a supply room was made, plus all the front classroom windows were removed. Flourescent lighting was installed on the ceiling, the old audio system was removed, and new curtains for the stage were put up.

1990’s

In June 1991, a 40th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Temple. A new front entrance Mon Gate was erected on the 37th St. side. A group of Chigo, along with Kinnara Gagaku and Bugaku led a procession of the Sangha along the outside property.

In the early 1990s Senshin would start an Outdoor Concert Series with live musical entertainment. Performers included Hiroshima, Nobuko Miyamoto, and Charlie Chin.

The late 1990’s would see the Senshin Obon move dates from the Sunday coinciding with Nishi Obon to the weekend prior. After a few years the Obon was switched from Sunday to Saturday.

2000’s

June 8-10, 2001, Senshin celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary as an independent Temple with a weekend of festivities. Genuine Japanese tiles were installed on the Hondo roof, new linoleum flooring was placed under the refinished and reupholstered pews, and new carpeting was installed. The Temple courtyard was completely reconstructed, adding concrete planters that were fully landscaped with an irrigation system. A commemorative book was created highlighting 70 years of Senshin.

2005-2009 saw Temple members meet to form Senshinji: A vision for the future; this plan included the construction of a Nokotsudo (Columbarium) adjacent to the Hondo which was completed in 2007. Rennovations were made to the Education Buidling and the entire first floor was remade. A storefront area was built for the Hongwanji Place bookstore. Read more >>

2010’s

2010-2014 would see Rev. Masao Kodani announce his retirement (2013) after 45 years at Senshin. Rev. Ryuta Furumoto is transferred from San Mateo to become the new Senshin Minister. Rev. Kodani stayed on for few months to create a short transtion period. In October 2013 In November Senshin hosted a ‘Thank You’ party for Rev. Mas at Senshin with over 500 attendees plus Dharma entertainment in the courtyard. Rev. Mas was recognized for his 45 years of service by the Bishop at the BCA National Council Banquet in Bellevue, WA.

In November 2013, the starting time of Sunday Services moved to 10am from 9:30am

2016-2019 saw Senshin celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Hondo in June 2016. Emeritus Revs. Tetsuo Unno and Masao Kodani participated in the special Service and led the Chigo procession. The Kinnara Gagaku and Bugaku also performed.