The Northwest Times

Local Methodists Note 45th Year of Their Church

Approximately 350 persons filled the banquet hall of the Seattle Japanese Methodist Church last Sunday night, to put on a grand climax to a week-long celebration commemorating the 45th anniversary of the founding of the church.

In conjunction with the anniversary the fete signified the completion of a successful $23,000 building program, which included the remodeling of the sanctuary, the educational building and the Catherine Blaine Home.

Rev. T. J. Machida, Issei pastor of the church, presided as toastmaster and introduced Professor Iwao Matsushita, who welcomed the guests in behalf of the church. The grace for the turkey dinner was offered by the Rev. Paul Hagiya.

The following representatives of various organizations extended congratulations: G. Mihara from the Japanese Church Federation and Japanese Association; S. Ikoma in behalf of the two Issei and one Nisei newspapers of Seattle; H. Okuda from the Japanese people of Seattle; and Dr. W. Bundy, first pastor of the Nisei division for the Seattle Council of Churches; Dr. Owen Beadles, superintendent of the Seattle-Tacoma area, from the Methodist Church; and the Rev. Y. Yamaka from the Japanese Provisional Conference, which includes all of the Japanese Methodist Churches on

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FEATURED SPEAKER . . . at the forty-fifth anniversary of the Seattle Japanese Methodist church last Sunday evening was distinguished-looking Rev. Yuzuru Yamaka (above) of the Los Angeles Japanese Methodist church: The Rev. Yamaka served in the local Methodist church from 1921 to 1931, being succeeded by the Rev. Yasaburo Tsuda who in 1941 was followed to the pulpit by the Rev. Thomas J. Machida, the present pastor:

Foto by Ralph Ochi.

Local Methodists Note 45th Year Of Their Church at Celebration

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the Pacific Coast.

The Rev. Yamaka gave the impetus to the inspiration and success of the whole celebration. During the week preceding the banquet, this popular pastor of the Los Angeles Japanese Methodist Church stirred the hearts of many by his nightly evangelistic messages. Rev. Yamaka served the Seattle Church from 1921 to 1931. During his pastorate, the Sunday School attendance was almost up to 450, counted as the best one throughout the Pacific Coast among the Japanese churches. At present, he is rounding out his 19th year in the Los Angeles church. His final message, given at the banquet, was keyed on the importance of the part the people play in the church. "The people make a church," he stated, "and so a great church calls for great people."

After the congratulatory speeches, Bunta Hara, chairman of the building committee of the church, gave the final building and financial report. Hara, along with the Rev. Machida, were recognized later in the program for their sacrificial labor toward the completion of the remodeling program. In behalf of the church, K. Sato presented the two with a wristwatch and a fountain pen respectively.

Six of the oldest members of the church then received Bibles in honor of their loyal devotion to the church. The oldtimers present were Dr. S. Higashida, baptized in 1903: Y. Hokari, 1907: Mrs. Y. Sasaki, 1908, who came from Chicago to participate in the anniversary celebration: Mrs. F. Shimomura, 1912: Mrs. F. Nishiyori, 1907: Mrs. T. Yanagimachi, 1913.

Eddie Shimomura read telegrams and greetings from 45 different churches and people throughout the Pacific Coast. The outstanding telegram came from Dr. Frank H. Smith, former superintendent of the Japanese Provisional Conference. The entertainment for the evening featured two duet numbers by Martha Kawaguchi and Kay Chin. The Nisei Board chairman, Hisaka Okamoto ended the evening with a word of thanks to everyone.

Some of the outstanding guests for the occasion were E. L. Blaine, Dr. E. Fuller, Principal R. A. Pomeroy of the Washington Jr. High, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Ashby, Dr. S. Tsuru of the Ferris girls' school in Yokohama, Japan, Rose Glass, Rev. and Mrs. E. Andrews, Rev. Ai Chih Tsai, Rev. S. Niwa, Rev. G. Shoji, and Rev. K. Noji.

The chefs were Messrs. Shimomura and Kawahara. The kitchen crew consisted of the Fujin Kai and the waitresses included the WSCS Chapter II and the Methodist Service Guild members. All the young people of the church made up the cleaning committee.