[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 23653-23654] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO ______ HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Friday, October 1, 1999 Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. On October 16, 1999, this church will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary. As the church members gather to celebrate, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting this monumental achievement. The Buddhist Church of Sacramento was established on December 17, 1899. The first meeting was held that day at 1221 Third Street, and the next year, a temple building was purchased at 418 O Street. Today, this small gathering of people has grown to over 1,200 families from throughout Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano counties. In the past, this church has not been without its share of tragedy. On April 15, 1923, an arson fire destroyed the dormitory housing for children of working parents. Ten children perished in that fire. Additionally, after the outbreak of World War II and the issuance of Executive order 9066, Japanese-Americans from Sacramento were relocated to internment camps throughout the United States. During that time, the U.S. government assumed responsibilities for the church and used it as a military induction center. However, the members of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento have persevered. Two years after the infamous arson fire, the church members constructed a new temple. A social hall was constructed in 1937 to provide additional recreational and social facilities for the Japanese- American community. As a result of the Sacramento Redevelopment Project, a new temple complex was constructed. It was dedicated on June 27-28, 1959. Today, the church has grown to host several youth programs and events. For instance, over 200 community youths participate as members of Boy Scout Troop 50, Cub Scout Pack 50, and Girl Scout Troop 569. The church also sponsors various youth sports programs including basketball, volleyball, and golf. Community programs at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento are not limited to youth activities. The church hosts the Tanoshimi-kai, a weekly lunch program attended by 150 seniors. The church's facilities are open to various Bonsai and other Japanese cultural groups for meetings and gatherings. In addtion, the church conducts Japanese language classes, which are attended by over 100 students of all ages. One crowning achievement of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento is its involvement in the Triple R Day Care Program. The program, sponsored by the city of Sacramento since Spring, 1999, chose the church as its first satellite site, the first Asian program, and the first [[Page 23654]] site hosted by a church. Currently, there are nine program participants. As a theme for this year's Centennial Celebration, the Buddhist Church has chosen: ``Gratitude, Dedication, Aspiration.'' This theme symbolizes the relationships of the past, present, and future at the church. It represents a time to reflect on the past, a time to celebrate the present, and a time to plan for the future. Mr. Speaker, as the exceptional people of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento gather to celebrate their church's centennial anniversary, I am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most outstanding organizations. The Buddhist Church of Sacramento's contributions to the youth and overall community are commendable. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing the church continued success in all its future endeavors. ____________________