From left: Rev. Kory Quon, Rev. George Shibata, Rev. John Iwohara, Bishop Kodo Umezu, Rev. Nobuo Miyaji, Rev. Naomi Nakano, and Rev. John Doami.
From left: Rev. Kory Quon, Rev. George Shibata, Rev. John Iwohara, Bishop Kodo Umezu, Rev. Nobuo Miyaji, Rev. Naomi Nakano, and Rev. John Doami.

GARDENA — Gardena Buddhist Church celebrated its 90th anniversary on Oct. 30 with a special commemorative service and luncheon.

Officiating the service was Bishop Kodo Umezu, leader of the Buddhist Churches of America, with Rev. Nobuo Miyaji and Rev. John Iwohara of Gardena Buddhist Church.

Also participating were Gardena minister’s assistants Cindy and Allie Yasaki; former ministers at Gardena, Rev. George Shibata, Rev. John Doami, Rev. Naomi Nakano and Rev. Kory Quon (former minister’s assistant); and BCA ministers emeritus Rev. Kakuyei Tada and Rev. Tetsuen Hirota.

A chigo parade, made up of Dharma School students, ministers, and temple leaders, opened the service. The Kinnara Taiko Gagaku from Senshin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles participated in the service.

Following the service, a luncheon was held in the Social Hall, with entertainment provided by Grateful Crane Ensemble.

Chigo parade led by Bishop Kodo Umezu.
Chigo parade led by Bishop Kodo Umezu.

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