My father, Jiro Higa, a very active member, was the contractor who built the Jikoen temple on Houghtailing Street in 1938. In 1935, he also built the temple in Lahaina, which explains why Jikoen and the Lahaina Hongwanji are alike in structure. To save money, Rev. Yamasato asked him to...

I was always proud of Jikoen’s andagi. We were the first to make them at public gatherings. Although our equipment was crude and old-fashioned, we made the best andagi. Ever since Jikoen started it, today, many organizations are offering them as one of their best-sellers.

Lily Miyasato (Horio) was one of the spirited young temple leaders who encouraged us to actively participate in a variety of temple activities. She also introduced me to her piano teacher, Mrs. Shizuko Mukaida (whose mother, Mrs. Aki Kohatsu was a charter member of the temple), and I became a...

Dr. Albert Miyasato was a young man then, also returned from Japan. In Rev. Yamasato’s absence, Albert led the Vandana Ti Sarana. Although it was a small branch temple, we learned the same songs and lessons that were taught at the main Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin on Fort Street, now Pali...

We took turns leading the 8-fold Path. Since Rev. Yamasato did not speak English, we often had lay people giving talks. Some of the speakers were Ralph Presnall, Albert Miyasato, and Masao Ozaki.

I remember a Jikoen temple visitation by Lady Yoshiko Ohtani… Prior to her Fujinkai service attendance as officiant, our family was honored to have her spend a short time to rest at our residence. We spent countless hours preparing for Lady Ohtani’s brief stay. Her attendants visited our home ahead...

I attended Sunday School and participated in the service by offering flowers and incense. I even remember playing baseball for Jikoen in the Sunday School league of the Honolulu district. It was a mixed league and some of the girls were better than the boys.

I was in my teens and for the first time, I learned about Buddhism in English from an old British minister. I value this experience and basic information which enabled me to appreciate my religion and grown in understanding of life and religion.

Before the temple on Houghtailing Street was built, we had our services in the Gushikawa Club House that was built on our leased land on Kam IV Road. Services were conducted by Rev. Jikai Yamasato who was in his early 20’s at that time.

I remember Lily Miyasato (Horio) was the organist and would lead us in the Nembutsu when the minister was away. I enjoyed the Hanamatsuri festival at Kapiolani Park.