Pasadena Buddhist Temple Photographs

Early in the 20th century, the Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles Betsuin served the Jodo Shinshu Buddhists of Pasadena. Due to the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans in during World War II, there were no provisions in place to prevent discrimination in housing after the war. Pasadena was one of the few communities where property owners were willing to rent or sale to Japanese Americans. In the fall of 1948, early in the temple’s history, Mr. and Mrs. Yukio Nishimoto made their home available for services and Dharma school instruction. Next, temple functions moved to 1106 Lincoln Avenue where Rev. Daitetsu Hayashima led spiritual guidance. In 1958, the current property at 1993 Glen Ave was purchased and temple construction began. In the same year, the current temple was dedicated and the Bishop of Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) assigned the first full time minister, Rev. Masami Nakagaki. The Buddhist Women’s Association has been a back bone of the temple since its inception and continues today. Buddhist Women’s Association and Young Buddhist League (YBL) celebrations are highlighted in this collection along with other significant moments in the Pasadena Buddhist Temple’s history.