The formal 20th Anniversary proceedings lasted about one week and included welcoming the visiting priests and Japanese Hokkeko members, the ceremony itself, a lunch and performances by temple members after the ceremony, and four San Francisco Bay Area district meetings attended by the visiting priests, the visiting Hokkeko members, and local members.

Assorted pictures of some of those who assisted behind the scenes to ensure that the visiting guests, who came at their own expense, were situated comfortably.

 

One of the special guests who traveled from Japan for this occasion was Reverend Jiho Takahashi, the Second Chief Priest of Myoshinji Temple.

 

A drawing by Reverend Jido Kimura of the Hoando at the Head Temple Taisekiji, which appeared on the cover of the program.

 

On the morning of the commemorative ceremony, members of the children's group distributed the program and gifts they made by hand to everyone who attended.

 

Three doormen posing in the renovated temple entranceway.  The curtain hanging from the Sanmon gate was new and so were the lanterns in the background.  The Sanmon Gate was also painted and lights were added.  In addition, lighting fixtures were installed in the front garden and throughout the parking lot.

 

As the ceremony began, Reverend Kimura prepared kenzen offerings for the Gohonzon, while Reverend Imafuku assisted.

 

Outlying area members, selected for kenzen support, wait in the lobby to carry the offerings from the alter to the priest's quarters.

 

While everyone chants as the kenzen offerings are being made, Reverend Shoga Nishimura, Chief Priest of Hotenin Temple, sets the rhythm with the drums and Reverend Shinkyu Kimura, our Chief Priest's cousin, passes an offering to a member.

 

Behind Reverend Kimura, the congregation performs Gongyo.  The couple in the foreground of the picture on the left are Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi, Hokkeko members from Japan.  Their son was our Chief Priest's playmate before Reverend Kimura entered the priesthood at the age of 12.

 

Since the ceremony was well attended, quite a few people had to participate while seated in the entranceway.  There is a large window in front of them, so that that they can see into the ceremonial room.

 

At this point in the ceremony all the visiting priests were introduced.  Here Reverend Eijun Ishii, Chief Priest of Hoshoji Temple and National Propagation Lecturer, bows in acknowledgement.

 

Another of the visiting priests who took a bow was Reverend Tokudo Yanasaka from the Overseas Bureau Tokyo office.

 

Reverend Taishin Takano, Chief Priest of Myohoji Temple in Los Angeles and NST President, was the first priest to give an address.

 

Reverend Jiho Takahashi, Chief Priest of Jippoji Temple in Osaka, Japan, and the Chief Priest of Myoshinji Temple from June 13, 1988, to November 17, 1997, then gave his address in English, while  Mrs. Tatsue Kimura, our Chief Priest's mother, reads a Japanese translation.

 

While reciting the History of Myoshinji Temple, David Murphy, Vice-Koto, held up the Myoshinji Temple Pledge that was signed by those who were present during the Inauguration of the Myoshinji Temple Hokkeko on July 7th, 1991.

 

Anne Ruley then announced that the Children's group would be giving the visiting priests special gifts they made by hand.

 

Our Chief Priest, Reverend Kimura, offered words of appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the ceremony.

 

After all the other visiting priests left the ceremonial room, Reverend Ishii delivered a special sermon in Japanese entitled The Last Moment of Life , while occasionally pausing for a translation.

 

Right after the ceremony a group photo was taken.  In addition to the priests, priest family members and Japanese Hokkeko, there were 269 people who attended.

 

Reverend Kimura also posed with the Children's Group and Children's Group supervisors, who all played such an important part in the success of the ceremony.

 

Later in the afternoon there was a lunch with the visiting priests and performances. Reverend Yansaka of the Foreign Affairs Bureau gave the opening address, mentioning how much he appreciated being in San Francisco for this event.  He then had everyone stand for a toast.

 

After the buffet, the Myoshinji Temple Chorus took the stage with their first song, "Lovely Day."

 

Chorus members, Eddie Evans and Jackie Peebles, during one of the more personal moments of "Lean on Me."

 

Prior to the Myoshinji Taiko Drum Corps' rendition of Takinobori (Dragon Gate), perennial MCs, Vincent Chang and Colleen Tate, performed a skit on the difficulty of overcoming obstacles, using a stuffed turtle and plenty of body language, as David Segure, trying his best to keep a straight face,  read the Takinobori story.

 

Reverend Shoon Ishii, the Assistant Priest at Hoshoji Temple, read a speech in English at the Fairfield/ Vacaville area meeting in the home of Adrienne Stevenson on the evening after the ceremony.

 

After the Fairfield/ Vacaville meeting those in attendance posed for a commemorative picture.  The priests in attendance were, from left to right, Reverend Shoon Ishii, his father, Reverend Eijun Ishii, and Reverend Shogu Kimura.

Reverend Jido Kimura (speech), our Chief Priest's father, and Reverend Shoson Kurashita (speech), Chief Priest of Renkaku-ji Temple, sit for a group photo after the San Francisco area meeting held on the same night.

 

Gongyo at the San Jose area meeting led by Reverend Haido Nakamura and assisted by Shoga Nishimura.  After Gongyo, Reverend Nakamura gave an address and answered questions. 

 

Members also gathered at the Berkeley home of Ramona Maples for a meeting. The priests from left to right are Reverend Shindo Imafuku (our Assistant Priest), Reverend Shinkyu Kimura (our Chief Priest's cousin) who read a speech, and Reverend Reido Kimura (our chief priest's uncle) who also read a speech.