| 1905 Southern California Buddhist Church established in Los Angeles on Jackson Street with its first resident
minister, the Rev. Koyu Uchida. |
| 1917 The name of the church changed to Hongwanji
Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, and its location changed to Yamato Hall. |
1918 Fujinkai (Women’s Association) established.
Young Buddhist Association organized. |
| 1925 New temple built at Central Avenue and First Street. |
| 1931 Mother Hongwanji Temple in Kyoto confers Betsuin status to temple, a first for Buddhist Churches of
America temples. Temple called The Hompa Hongwanji Los Angeles Betsuin. Twenty branches, including Gardena, Pasadena, and others, more than ten Fukyojyo
(buildings for Dharma), in Anaheim, Venice, and others, and eleven Sunday Schools with about 1,120 students were established. |
| 1940 Constitution and by-laws of Los Angeles Betsuin
formalized. Name officially changed to Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. |
| 1941 Betsuin closed during World War II. Betsuin facilities used for storage by some Japanese American evacuees. |
| 1945 Betsuin offered as a hostel for evacuees returning from relocation camps. Religious organizational activities resumed. |
| 1947 Fubokai (Dharma School parents’ organization)
established under the name Ijikai. |
| 1951 Nishi Matrons group organized. |
| 1954 Betsuin starts radio program, The Betsuin Hour. |
| 1956 Young Adult Buddhist Association organized. |
| 1957 Nishi Hongwanji Culture Classes opened. |
| 1964 60th year commemoration service of the establishment of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji. |
| 1969 Newly constructed temple opened at present location, 815 East First Street, with Gomonshu Kosho
Ohtani, presiding. Boy Scout Troop 738 organized. |
1970 Japanese garden in front of Betsuin dedicated.
Kohaku Uta Gassen (New Year’s Japanese Song
Contest) started.
Cub Scout Pack 738C organized.
|
1971 Hideya
Chiji, Japanese painter, completes murals de-picting the life of Shakyamuni Buddha which are mounted on the walls of the Hondo (main chapel).
Statue of Shinran and His Disciples depicting scene at
Kotagahama, Japan unveiled; statue donated by Mr. Seiichi Hirose of Japan. |
| 1973 Twelve foot statue of Shinran Shonin dedicated. The statue was donated by Mr. Seiichi Hirose of Japan. |
| 1976 Dedication of newly built Kaikan (gymnasium). |
| 1979 Bell Tower dedicated to house large Bell of Dana
donated by philanthropist, Mr. Yehan Numata. |
| 1980 75th year commemoration service of establishment of temple held with Gomonshu Koshin Ohtani presiding. |
| 1985 Dedication of twin stone lanterns at entrance to temple. Lanterns were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Masashi
Kawaguchi on commemoration of 80th year since founding of
temple. |
| 1989 20th year commemoration service of relocation of
temple to present location with former Gomonshu Kosho Ohtani presiding. |
| 1995 90th year commemoration service of establishment of temple held with Gomonshu Koshin Ohtani presiding. |
| 2005 Centennial commemoration service of the
establishment of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will be held. |
