San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place: Buddhist Churches of America

Address: 1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco

Description:

The headquarters of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA), i.e., all Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples on the mainland United States, is located in San Francisco’s Japantown. The BCA’s main roll is to provide ministers to temples. They assist the ministers with their education, assignment and retirement. They also have a scholarship fund for those who are studying to become ministers. The Wheel of Dharma, a monthly newsletter, is published by the BCA. The BCA sponsors a trip for young Buddhists from around the country to go to Japan and participate in different events, including a home-stay. There are eight districts within the BCA. BCA Headquarters houses the current bishop and the BCA bookstore. It also communicates with and coordinates overseas districts including South America and Europe. The BCA is the only recognized Buddhist organization that is an endorsing agent for the Department of Defense.

History:

The BCA was founded in 1899 one year after the Buddhist Church of San Francisco was established. In the late 1890’s a group of young Buddhists from Japan who were living in San Francisco wanted to continue to study Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America. They sent a letter to the Hongwangi in Kyoto requesting that ministers be sent to San Francisco. They then founded the BCA, which at that time was called the Buddhist Mission of North America. This name was changed during WWII. In 1913 the BCA building was completed next to the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. The bookstore was established in 1966. The Hokubei Mainichi newspaper was also founded by the BCA.

Significance:

Social, cultural, historical

Recognition of Significance:

Sources:

Rev. Kodo Umezu, Resident Minister

Other Comments:

http://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.com/

Prepared By: Misako Mori Date Prepared: 10/6/04