Gardena Valley Baptist Church

Gardena Valley Baptist Church

On A Sunny Southern California Day...
These women were participants in the L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club's International Doll Festival. Nisei women served as greeters for the event. Acknowledgments in the event program read: "Our grateful thanks are extended to the following: The women of the Gardena Valley Church who prepared luncheon; Mrs. Bessie Shikagawa, for the beautiful floral arrangements; the Roger Williams, Spanish Baptist and Immanuel Churches, who shared their equipment to make us comfortable; all of the women and Guild girls who lovingly dressed dolls. To the Doll Festival committee composed of Mrs. Don Burkdoll, chairman, working with Mrs. William Shinto and Miss Jane Gahs, all of the Key Women, and those who assisted in making this a significant day, we express our deepest appreciation."
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These women were participants in the L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club's International Doll Festival. Nisei women served as greeters for the event. Acknowledgments in the event program read: "Our grateful thanks are extended to the following: The women of the Gardena Valley Church who prepared luncheon; Mrs. Bessie Shikagawa, for the beautiful floral arrangements; the Roger Williams, Spanish Baptist and Immanuel Churches, who shared their equipment to make us comfortable; all of the women and Guild girls who lovingly dressed dolls. To the Doll Festival committee composed of Mrs. Don Burkdoll, chairman, working with Mrs. William Shinto and Miss Jane Gahs, all of the Key Women, and those who assisted in making this a significant day, we express our deepest appreciation."

Little Girls Dressed for the Women's Auxiliary
These girls participated with their mothers in the International Doll Festival hosted by the L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club. Events of the day included a message on the 85th anniversary of Japanese Christian Work by Gardena Valley Baptist Church's Japanese-language pastor, Harumi Nishimoto and Japanese interpretive dancing led by Mrs. Hiroe Pearce.
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These girls participated with their mothers in the International Doll Festival hosted by the L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club. Events of the day included a message on the 85th anniversary of Japanese Christian Work by Gardena Valley Baptist Church's Japanese-language pastor, Harumi Nishimoto and Japanese interpretive dancing led by Mrs. Hiroe Pearce.

The young men of 1917 (The Young Men of 1917)
This is a picture of the young men of the Moneta Japanese Baptist congregation in 1917. Dressed in suits and looking sharp, this photo could have been used to send to a matchmaker in Japan who would arrange a marriage with a young picture bride. The practice of Picture Brides ended in 1924.
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This is a picture of the young men of the Moneta Japanese Baptist congregation in 1917. Dressed in suits and looking sharp, this photo could have been used to send to a matchmaker in Japan who would arrange a marriage with a young picture bride. The practice of Picture Brides ended in 1924.
Top Row: Unknown, Tamaki Nakahira, Zensuke Nishino (secretary), Uichiro Yumikura, Tsunetaro Ogawa, Ichitaro Taniguchi, Yasuhei Sakai
Middle Row: Jyogiro Moritomo (VP), Rev. Shiraishi, Rev. Shibata, Masao Taketani (Pres.), Shigenori Ihira, Shigemitsu Yamada
Bottom Row: Shiro Kunitsugu, Unknown, Aigi Hashii, Unknown, Unknown, Kamezo Suzuki, Ushimatsu Matsuoka

Yoshihara Family Store
Enterprising Issei in the 1910's began their own produce stands and general stores. Members of the Gardena Valley community were limited to the agricultural industry.
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Enterprising Issei in the 1910's began their own produce stands and general stores. Members of the Gardena Valley community were limited to the agricultural industry.

The LA City Mission Women's Auxiliary Luncheon
The L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club held an International Doll Festival in the 70's. This is the cover of the program, designed by Mr. Al Dohi. It features a woman wearing a kimono as well as Japanese script saying "luncheon" and the date of the event. Although the program cover is indicative of Japanese culture, the luncheon was a collaboration of cultural events by Spanish and English-speaking churches as well.
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The L.A. City Mission Women's Auxiliary club held an International Doll Festival in the 70's. This is the cover of the program, designed by Mr. Al Dohi. It features a woman wearing a kimono as well as Japanese script saying "luncheon" and the date of the event. Although the program cover is indicative of Japanese culture, the luncheon was a collaboration of cultural events by Spanish and English-speaking churches as well.

A Woman's Group (A Women's Group)
This women's group, led by Mrs. C. Howard Ross, one of the American Baptist missionaries, served as a place for young Japanese-American Nisei women to bond and maintain solid relationships in a still racially-hostile environment.
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This women's group, led by Mrs. C. Howard Ross, one of the American Baptist missionaries, served as a place for young Japanese-American Nisei women to bond and maintain solid relationships in a still racially-hostile environment.

Mrs. C. Howard Ross...
Mrs. Howard C. Ross was one of the early leaders of the Gardena Japanese Baptist Church. Having served as a missionary in Japan for over 25 years, Mrs. Ross continued her ministry to the Japanese people even while in the United States.
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Mrs. Howard C. Ross was one of the early leaders of the Gardena Japanese Baptist Church. Having served as a missionary in Japan for over 25 years, Mrs. Ross continued her ministry to the Japanese people even while in the United States.

American Baptist Missionaries
A picture of one of the American Baptist missionaries who had helped found the Sunday School and early Japanese church in Moneta, CA.
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A picture of one of the American Baptist missionaries who had helped found the Sunday School and early Japanese church in Moneta, CA.

A Community Industry
Members of the early Gardena Church likely worked alongside each other in the produce industry
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Members of the early Gardena Church likely worked alongside each other in the produce industry.

Starting a Family
A young family poses for a photo at their new home--Gardena had yet to build paved roads.
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A young family poses for a photo at their new home--Gardena had yet to build paved roads.

A Picture to Send to Nihon
A young man in search of a bride may have had this picture taken of him in a suit with nicely coiffed hair, superimposed on an image of field workers on a vast portion of land. Although he himself may have been one of those standing in the field, it was important for him to create an image of wealth and prosperity for a potential mate and her family.
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A young man in search of a bride may have had this picture taken of him in a suit with nicely coiffed hair, superimposed on an image of field workers on a vast portion of land. Although he himself may have been one of those standing in the field, it was important for him to create an image of wealth and prosperity for a potential mate and her family.

Otzuji Ranch
The Otzuji Ranch in Gardena, CA.
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The Otzuji Ranch in Gardena, CA.

Mrs. C. Howard Ross
A special mention in the Los Angeles Times, 1954.
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A special mention in the Los Angeles Times, 1954.

An Overflowing Crowd
The caption reads: "OVERFLOW CROWD--800 persons attended the dedication service at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church for its new sanctuary and classrooms. Many more sent letters and telegrams of good wishes. Flowers and plants were received from A-One Florist, Bank of Tokyo, Ezell Office Furniture Co., Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, Gardena Van and Storage, Lawndale Nursery, and Mr. and Mrs. K. Yanai. The Bank of Tokyo gave the church a piano. At the pulpit is Rev. Eishi Hirose, pastor."
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The caption reads: "OVERFLOW CROWD--800 persons attended the dedication service at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church for its new sanctuary and classrooms. Many more sent letters and telegrams of good wishes. Flowers and plants were received from A-One Florist, Bank of Tokyo, Ezell Office Furniture Co., Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, Gardena Van and Storage, Lawndale Nursery, and Mr. and Mrs. K. Yanai. The Bank of Tokyo gave the church a piano. At the pulpit is Rev. Eishi Hirose, pastor."

Sanctuary Dedication
Although the church began as a small Sunday School in a rented cottage, the congregation over the years had grown to consist of over 800 members. Tearing down its old facility and building a new, contemporary chapel and educational building in its stead, Gardena Valley Baptist Church received many donations, gifts, and well-wishes as it opened its new doors to the community.
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Although the church began as a small Sunday School in a rented cottage, the congregation over the years had grown to consist of over 800 members. Tearing down its old facility and building a new, contemporary chapel and educational building in its stead, Gardena Valley Baptist Church received many donations, gifts, and well-wishes as it opened its new doors to the community.

Another Pioneer Family
The occasion for this photo is unclear, but it depicts a typical turn-of-the-century Japanese American family--many children, and the inclusion of members beyond the immediate family. Primarily having agricultural roots, it was beneficial for a family to have many children who would be able to serve as help around the house and farm.
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The occasion for this photo is unclear, but it depicts a typical turn-of-the-century Japanese American family--many children, and the inclusion of members beyond the immediate family. Primarily having agricultural roots, it was beneficial for a family to have many children who would be able to serve as help around the house and farm.

Perhaps a First Christmas For Some
This photo is of a Christmas service at the Moneta Japanese Baptist Church in 1915.
For many of the early immigrants, the church and contact with the American Baptist missionaries offered a gateway into American culture, continuing the gradual process of assimilation. Christmas, being a Western Christian holiday, was not celebrated by most Japanese who were Buddhist; therefore, it's probable that many of those in this photo were experiencing their very first Christmas.
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This photo is of a Christmas service at the Moneta Japanese Baptist Church in 1915.
For many of the early immigrants, the church and contact with the American Baptist missionaries offered a gateway into American culture, continuing the gradual process of assimilation. Christmas, being a Western Christian holiday, was not celebrated by most Japanese who were Buddhist; therefore, it's probable that many of those in this photo were experiencing their very first Christmas.

Moneta Gakuen
By the 1920s, the Moneta Sunday School, or Moneta Gakuen, had grown significantly in size. On the cottage you can see both the American and Japanese flags hung together, above a sign proclaiming the overflowing group's name.
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By the 1920s, the Moneta Sunday School, or Moneta Gakuen, had grown significantly in size. On the cottage you can see both the American and Japanese flags hung together, above a sign proclaiming the overflowing group's name.

How It All Got Started...
The beginnings of Gardena Valley Baptist Church were in a Sunday School started by the American Baptist Mission Society in 1914. As a means of evangelizing and serving the nearby Japanese farm-laborer community, the American Baptist missionaries rented out a small cottage to teach children of the farm laborers English and Bible stories. Though most of the farm laborers were likely not Christian, sending their children to the Sunday School was a free and accessible means for the next generation to learn English and American culture, preparing them for success in their new home.
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The beginnings of Gardena Valley Baptist Church were in a Sunday School started by the American Baptist Mission Society in 1914. As a means of evangelizing and serving the nearby Japanese farm-laborer community, the American Baptist missionaries rented out a small cottage to teach children of the farm laborers English and Bible stories. Though most of the farm laborers were likely not Christian, sending their children to the Sunday School was a free and accessible means for the next generation to learn English and American culture, preparing them for success in their new home.

An Invitation to "Majiwaru"
"Majiwaru" means to gather together, or to have fellowship. This hand-made invitation sent out to the women of the Women's Missionary Society Installation Dinner at the Alondra Club in Lawndale on November 4, c.1970. About 100 Japanese American women attended, with a greeting by Mrs. June Inouye: "Mina-sama, kon ban wa." A detailed article on the event reads:
"The Japanese character 'majiwaru' was used in the table decorations and on the programs in a setting of cherry blossoms.
The invocation was offered by Mrs. Jean Komae and Mrs. Mitsey Miki beautifully sang 'God Bless This House,' accompanied by Mrs. Molly Nishimoto. Mrs. Claudine Stratton brought an inspiring devotional thought on 'The Fellowship of the Church.' The beautiful voice of Mrs. Frances Sekiguchi, as she sang two songs in Japanese, floated through the hushed silence of the banquet room. Following the prayer of thanksgiving, a delicious dinner of prime rib was served and thoroughly enjoyed by all."
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"Majiwaru" means to gather together, or to have fellowship. This hand-made invitation sent out to the women of the Women's Missionary Society Installation Dinner at the Alondra Club in Lawndale on November 4, c.1970. About 100 Japanese American women attended, with a greeting by Mrs. June Inouye: "Mina-sama, kon ban wa." A detailed article on the event reads:
"The Japanese character 'majiwaru' was used in the table decorations and on the programs in a setting of cherry blossoms.
The invocation was offered by Mrs. Jean Komae and Mrs. Mitsey Miki beautifully sang 'God Bless This House,' accompanied by Mrs. Molly Nishimoto. Mrs. Claudine Stratton brought an inspiring devotional thought on 'The Fellowship of the Church.' The beautiful voice of Mrs. Frances Sekiguchi, as she sang two songs in Japanese, floated through the hushed silence of the banquet room. Following the prayer of thanksgiving, a delicious dinner of prime rib was served and thoroughly enjoyed by all."

The Moneta Japanese Baptist Church
The Moneta Japanese Baptist Church was starting to become a real church, with their own chapel and all. Now an intergenerational congregation, the group changed out of their laborer clothes and got into their Sunday best for a commemorative and historic picture.
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The Moneta Japanese Baptist Church was starting to become a real church, with their own chapel and all. Now an intergenerational congregation, the group changed out of their laborer clothes and got into their Sunday best for a commemorative and historic picture.

Over 90 years in the community (Celebrating Its Sixtieth)
Founded in 1914, Gardena Valley Baptist Church had survived World War II and the forceful removal of every single one of its congregation members--this is the cover of the 1974 60th Anniversary banquet program.
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Gardena Valley Baptist Church had survived World War II and the forceful removal of every single one of its congregation members--this is the cover of the 1974 60th Anniversary banquet program.

A Pageant
These little girls were dressed for some sort of pageant, likely Gardena Valley Baptist Church's annual Harvest Festival, an alternative to Halloween festivities.
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These little girls were dressed for some sort of pageant, likely Gardena Valley Baptist Church's annual Harvest Festival, an alternative to Halloween festivities.
Harold Kobata Recalls the Old days
"PREWAR PERIOD Although I may not be old enough to go way back to the founding of the original church, I do, however, recall church related events starting from the mid 30's. I attended Sunday School at the old Gardena Japanese Baptist Church on Dalton and 164th St. with my younger brother, Ed and many friends from both English and Japanese schools. Among my friends were the Tashiro girls, Aki Tsukuhara, Sachi Watanabe, and Cookie Atsumi.
Among the boy's Sunday School teachers, I especially remember, Paul Nagano, Roy Ishihara and Yas Wada. The young adults' pastor was Jitsuo Morikawa and the Issei pastor was Rev. Wada. Although I was too young to be a young adult, when I attended Rev. Morikawa's evening services on occasion, I vividly remember Rev. Morikawa as a powerful and inspirational speaker.
Of the many things that were different back then was the old Sunday School bus that went to the surrounding communities to pick up the children that lived in the farming areas. I really enjoyed riding the bus to Torrance, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and other communities.
The other thing that was distinctly different was that the only YMCA activity in Gardena was sponsored by our church. Of the many groups sponsored by our church, I first belonged to the YMCA Pioneers boys club and then graduated to the Cardinals junior high school group. Our leaders were Rev. C. H. Ross and Mr. Elton Randolph. Among the club members were Frank and Hippo Kuida, Yo Minami and my brother Ed.
POST- WAR PERIOD, 1945 to the MID 1950'S When the Japanese evacuees began to return to So. Bay area, Rev. Roy Ishihara organized the local Nisei youths and formed the Gardena Nisei Baptist Youth Group (BYF) in 1946 or 47. As always, the LA City Baptist Missionary Society supported the Baptist Church.
We met on Sunday evenings at the old Torrance Baptist church for a while and later at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Dalton. Worshipers in those days included, just to name a few, Mitsy Miki, Alice Miyake, Rose Jow, and Sets Kojima. I recall serving as a youth leader and a primary Sunday School teacher with Julia Taniguchi.
In the early 1950's, construction was started on the first of several buildings on our present site. Although I didn't know at the time, the buildings were to play an important part in my life. Thirty five years ago, Reiko Hagio and I were married in the new chapel by Rev. Nishimoto. The organist as, of course, Molly Nishimoto. That chapel is now the Nichigo Chapel.
All in all, life was much simpler in those days, because of sparse population, low crime rates, no drugs, no traffic congestion or pollution to speak of. However, despite the complexities of life today, I am very grateful and thankful to God for His faithfulness and He has blessed the Gardena Valley Baptist Church with a dedicated congregation and pastoral leadership."
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"PREWAR PERIOD Although I may not be old enough to go way back to the founding of the original church, I do, however, recall church related events starting from the mid 30's. I attended Sunday School at the old Gardena Japanese Baptist Church on Dalton and 164th St. with my younger brother, Ed and many friends from both English and Japanese schools. Among my friends were the Tashiro girls, Aki Tsukuhara, Sachi Watanabe, and Cookie Atsumi.
Among the boy's Sunday School teachers, I especially remember, Paul Nagano, Roy Ishihara and Yas Wada. The young adults' pastor was Jitsuo Morikawa and the Issei pastor was Rev. Wada. Although I was too young to be a young adult, when I attended Rev. Morikawa's evening services on occasion, I vividly remember Rev. Morikawa as a powerful and inspirational speaker.
Of the many things that were different back then was the old Sunday School bus that went to the surrounding communities to pick up the children that lived in the farming areas. I really enjoyed riding the bus to Torrance, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and other communities.
The other thing that was distinctly different was that the only YMCA activity in Gardena was sponsored by our church. Of the many groups sponsored by our church, I first belonged to the YMCA Pioneers boys club and then graduated to the Cardinals junior high school group. Our leaders were Rev. C. H. Ross and Mr. Elton Randolph. Among the club members were Frank and Hippo Kuida, Yo Minami and my brother Ed.
POST- WAR PERIOD, 1945 to the MID 1950'S When the Japanese evacuees began to return to So. Bay area, Rev. Roy Ishihara organized the local Nisei youths and formed the Gardena Nisei Baptist Youth Group (BYF) in 1946 or 47. As always, the LA City Baptist Missionary Society supported the Baptist Church.
We met on Sunday evenings at the old Torrance Baptist church for a while and later at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Dalton. Worshipers in those days included, just to name a few, Mitsy Miki, Alice Miyake, Rose Jow, and Sets Kojima. I recall serving as a youth leader and a primary Sunday School teacher with Julia Taniguchi.
In the early 1950's, construction was started on the first of several buildings on our present site. Although I didn't know at the time, the buildings were to play an important part in my life. Thirty five years ago, Reiko Hagio and I were married in the new chapel by Rev. Nishimoto. The organist as, of course, Molly Nishimoto. That chapel is now the Nichigo Chapel.
All in all, life was much simpler in those days, because of sparse population, low crime rates, no drugs, no traffic congestion or pollution to speak of. However, despite the complexities of life today, I am very grateful and thankful to God for His faithfulness and He has blessed the Gardena Valley Baptist Church with a dedicated congregation and pastoral leadership."

A Serene Ceremony
The three Hagio sisters were all married in the newly built Gardena Valley Baptist Church Chapel between 1958 and 1961. After the war hysteria and forceful removal of Japanese Americans on the West Coast, some members of the South Bay community returned and were able to enjoy a peaceful, joyful wedding ceremony.
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The three Hagio sisters were all married in the newly built Gardena Valley Baptist Church Chapel between 1958 and 1961. After the war hysteria and forceful removal of Japanese Americans on the West Coast, some members of the South Bay community returned and were able to enjoy a peaceful, joyful wedding ceremony.

The Third Sister
The third Hagio sister to celebrate her wedding in the Gardena Valley Baptist Church Chapel.
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The third Hagio sister to celebrate her wedding in the Gardena Valley Baptist Church Chapel.

Congratulating the Happy Couple (Conratulating the Happy Couple)
It was a blessing to be able to enjoy such a beautiful occasion outside of the horrors of the relocation camps.
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It was a blessing to be able to enjoy such a beautiful occasion outside of the horrors of the relocation camps.

Keeping it in the Family
The second Hagio sister to be married in the newly built chapel. The sisters' marriages can be interpreted as a yearning for stability and continuity after the abrupt disruption in their community during World War II.
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The second Hagio sister to be married in the newly built chapel. The sisters' marriages can be interpreted as a yearning for stability and continuity after the abrupt disruption in their community during World War II.

Wedding in the New Chapel
Reiko Hagio and Harold Kobata were one of the first couples married in the new chapel. Harold Kobata's photography and recollections of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church community reflect the various memories and emotions of Nisei youth during the tumultuous pre-War and resettling post-War eras.
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Reiko Hagio and Harold Kobata were one of the first couples married in the new chapel. Harold Kobata's photography and recollections of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church community reflect the various memories and emotions of Nisei youth during the tumultuous pre-War and resettling post-War eras.

Trying Not to Soil Their Sunday Best
These sansei kids are trying their hardest not to spoil their Sunday-best clothes.
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These sansei kids are trying their hardest not to spoil their Sunday-best clothes.

An Easter Dress
A beautiful Easter Sunday dress on a beautiful Nisei young woman.
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A beautiful Easter Sunday dress on a beautiful Nisei young woman.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony
Gardena Valley Baptist Church moved to its current site at 1630 W. 158th St. Gardena, CA in 1949. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church was a momentous occasion, as the congregation and more importantly the community, would be able to have a physical place to call their home.
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Gardena Valley Baptist Church moved to its current site at 1630 W. 158th St. Gardena, CA in 1949. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church was a momentous occasion, as the congregation and more importantly the community, would be able to have a physical place to call their home.

A Contemporary Chapel
What the chapel looked like in the 1970s. It remained virtually unchanged until 2006 when the most recent construction project began.
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What the chapel looked like in the 1970s. It remained virtually unchanged until 2006 when the most recent construction project began.

Representative Staff
A photo of the pastoral leadership in 2005. This staff photo represents the changing and diverse nature of the Nikkei community--it is intergenerational, transnational, and ethnically and culturally inclusive. The pastoral staff includes Caucasian Americans, Vietnamese and Chinese Americans, Kibei, Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei.
First Row: Pastor Daniel Matsuda, Pastor Tom Demorest.
Second Row: Pastor Thien Doan, Pastor Annette Kakimoto, Pastor Brian Wang, Pastor Chris Koga
Third Row: Pastor Ron Matsuda, Head Pastor Steve Langley, Pastor Bunso Otani
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A photo of the pastoral leadership in 2005. This staff photo represents the changing and diverse nature of the Nikkei community--it is intergenerational, transnational, and ethnically and culturally inclusive. The pastoral staff includes Caucasian Americans, Vietnamese and Chinese Americans, Kibei, Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei.
First Row: Pastor Daniel Matsuda, Pastor Tom Demorest.
Second Row: Pastor Thien Doan, Pastor Annette Kakimoto, Pastor Brian Wang, Pastor Chris Koga
Third Row: Pastor Ron Matsuda, Head Pastor Steve Langley, Pastor Bunso Otani

The Dedication of the Moneta Japanese Baptist Church, 1919
Although the church was officially established in 1914, it moved out of the small Sunday School cottage and because a bonafide chapel in 1919.
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Although the church was officially established in 1914, it moved out of the small Sunday School cottage and because a bonafide chapel in 1919.

Declining Issei Membership
These were the early pioneers and foundation of the congregation; numbers of the Nichigobu, however, began to decline in the 70s and 80s as they were an aging generation.
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These were the early pioneers and foundation of the congregation; numbers of the Nichigobu, however, began to decline in the 70s and 80s as they were an aging generation.

The Aging Issei
A picture of the Issei congregation in the 1970s. The Japanese-language congregation was predominantly female, which has not changed to this day. However, numbers were far greater then than now.
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A picture of the Issei congregation in the 1970s. The Japanese-language congregation was predominantly female, which has not changed to this day. However, numbers were far greater then than now.

Gardena Japanese Baptist Church, Jan. 19, 1941
In 1941, the congregation was fairly young and was still under the sponsorship of American Baptist missionaries. In a few years time, this small community would be forcefully dispersed and disbanded due to President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066.
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In 1941, the congregation was fairly young and was still under the sponsorship of American Baptist missionaries. In a few years time, this small community would be forcefully dispersed and disbanded due to President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066.

Sunday Best
This picture was taken after the formal church had been established, still under the direction of Mr. C. Howard Ross and his wife. The congregation was still composed of Issei farm laborers who lived in Gardena and the surrounding cities.
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This picture was taken after the formal church had been established, still under the direction of Mr. C. Howard Ross and his wife. The congregation was still composed of Issei farm laborers who lived in Gardena and the surrounding cities.

Gardena Grammar School
A picture of the Gardena Grammar School in the 1920s. Japanese American children are hard to be seen, though they were the target of the American Baptist missionaries who first founded Gardena Valley Baptist Church.
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A picture of the Gardena Grammar School in the 1920s. Japanese American children are hard to be seen, though they were the target of the American Baptist missionaries who first founded Gardena Valley Baptist Church.

The Moneta Gakuen
The Gardena Gakuen (or Sunday School), had first begun as a small gathering of farm laborers' children in a rented cottage in Moneta. In the ensuing years, however, this large gathering of Japanese American pioneers would begin to establish their presence in the community. Notice the Japanese flag flying alongside the American flag, before the war hysteria of the 1940s.
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The Gardena Gakuen (or Sunday School), had first begun as a small gathering of farm laborers' children in a rented cottage in Moneta. In the ensuing years, however, this large gathering of Japanese American pioneers would begin to establish their presence in the community. Notice the Japanese flag flying alongside the American flag, before the war hysteria of the 1940s.

The Fifties
An image of assimilation--during the 1950s, the U.S. was a place of peace and conformity after the tumultuous war years. These Japanese American youths look like the average, 1950s American teenager.
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An image of assimilation--during the 1950s, the U.S. was a place of peace and conformity after the tumultuous war years. These Japanese American youths look like the average, 1950s American teenager.

Fellowship = Communities
By the 1980s, the church had had over 800 members. Transnational, intergenerational, and bicultural, this community began to create their own subcommunities within the church. These fellowships gathered groups of people in similar age groups with similar interests and bonded the Japanese American community at GVBC.
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By the 1980s, the church had had over 800 members. Transnational, intergenerational, and bicultural, this community began to create their own subcommunities within the church. These fellowships gathered groups of people in similar age groups with similar interests and bonded the Japanese American community at GVBC.

Where a Tithe Comes From
These members of the congregation worked in the fields for their weekly tithes and offerings.
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These members of the congregation worked in the fields for their weekly tithes and offerings.

The Kimura Family
Another large and growing family in the early church; though they were likely farm laborers, their clean and conservative dress on the porch of a house represents success in their enterprises.
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Another large and growing family in the early church; though they were likely farm laborers, their clean and conservative dress on the porch of a house represents success in their enterprises.

Early Families
Images of the first Issei in Gardena; despite the nature of their agricultural work, the men look stately and authoritative in their suits and derby hats.
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Images of the first Issei in Gardena; despite the nature of their agricultural work, the men look stately and authoritative in their suits and derby hats.

The Pioneers
The occasion for this photo is unclear, but note the western dress of all of the early immigrants while the women still carry Japanese-style parasols. Very early on, the pioneers began regularly meeting and building a community which would later become a church that spans nine decades.
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The occasion for this photo is unclear, but note the western dress of all of the early immigrants while the women still carry Japanese-style parasols. Very early on, the pioneers began regularly meeting and building a community which would later become a church that spans nine decades.

The Changing Face(s) of GVBC
This photographic church directory is indicative of the changing nature of the Nikkei community--characterized by outmarriage, a biracial generation, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Caucasian, and African American, Issei, Nisei, Sansei, and the baby Yonsei, the Japanese American community by the 1980s was no longer confined to people of Japanese ancestry.
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This photographic church directory is indicative of the changing nature of the Nikkei community--characterized by outmarriage, a biracial generation, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Caucasian, and African American, Issei, Nisei, Sansei, and the baby Yonsei, the Japanese American community by the 1980s was no longer confined to people of Japanese ancestry.

Why Romaji?
One curiosity I found in this edition of the church directory--why is the greeting of the Issei pastor written in awkward romaji (romanized Japanese characters)?
The answer was simple: it was not yet possible to type and have a Japanese-language portion of the directory printed.
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One curiosity I found in this edition of the church directory--why is the greeting of the Issei pastor written in awkward romaji (romanized Japanese characters)?
The answer was simple: it was not yet possible to type and have a Japanese-language portion of the directory printed.

Receiving the Keys
The caption reads:
"CHURCH KEYS PRESENTED--During the dedication of the new Gardena Valley Baptist Church at 1630 W. 158th St. last Sunday, March 28, the keys were turned over from the contractor to the architect and then to church trustees. Participating in this special prat of the dedication ceremony were, from left, George Inouye, contractor; Joseph Colombo of Santa Ana, architect; the Rev. Sam Tonomura, assistant pastor, coordinator of the project; Paul Kuida, committee chairman; and Ryo Komae, board of trustees chairman."
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The caption reads:
"CHURCH KEYS PRESENTED--During the dedication of the new Gardena Valley Baptist Church at 1630 W. 158th St. last Sunday, March 28, the keys were turned over from the contractor to the architect and then to church trustees. Participating in this special prat of the dedication ceremony were, from left, George Inouye, contractor; Joseph Colombo of Santa Ana, architect; the Rev. Sam Tonomura, assistant pastor, coordinator of the project; Paul Kuida, committee chairman; and Ryo Komae, board of trustees chairman."

Music
Music continues to play an important part in the church; the various groups listed here continue to exist with the addition of the Ukelele Jammers and a hula-dancing ministry that performs at local convalescent homes. Essentially, the choirs and bands are places where people of all generations can gather and enjoy one another's company.
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Music continues to play an important part in the church; the various groups listed here continue to exist with the addition of the Ukelele Jammers and a hula-dancing ministry that performs at local convalescent homes. Essentially, the choirs and bands are places where people of all generations can gather and enjoy one another's company.

The Newly Built Chapel
An article in the community newspaper chronicled the history of this place of gathering:
"Mushrooming from a Sunday school in 1914, the Gardena Valley Baptist Church has grown to a congregation of 408 families and more than 700 children in the Sunday school. To serve its parishioners, the need was seen to expand the church's facilities.
After the war the church met in various places, including the Japanese Community Center, and for a while used the facilities of the Seventh-day Adventist Churhc which meets on Saturdays, enabling the Baptists to use the facilities on Sundays.
The Sunday School enrollment after the war years numbered about 200."
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An article in the community newspaper chronicled the history of this place of gathering:
"Mushrooming from a Sunday school in 1914, the Gardena Valley Baptist Church has grown to a congregation of 408 families and more than 700 children in the Sunday school. To serve its parishioners, the need was seen to expand the church's facilities.
After the war the church met in various places, including the Japanese Community Center, and for a while used the facilities of the Seventh-day Adventist Churhc which meets on Saturdays, enabling the Baptists to use the facilities on Sundays.
The Sunday School enrollment after the war years numbered about 200."

Southern California Baptist Church
This photo commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Japanese American church in Southern California.
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This photo commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Japanese American church in Southern California.

In the Community Bulletin
The caption provides a date of reference for the building projects: "Sunday school students of Gardena Valley Baptist Church pose for a class photo in 1962, 9 years before the current sanctuary was built."
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The caption provides a date of reference for the building projects: "Sunday school students of Gardena Valley Baptist Church pose for a class photo in 1962, 9 years before the current sanctuary was built."

1917
A photo of the meeting of the Ladies of the Japanese Mission at Moneta California on January 6th, 1917. In comparison with photos of the congregation in the 1920s and 30s, the members and pioneers in this picture are humbly dressed, with looks of less certainty on their faces.
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A photo of the meeting of the Ladies of the Japanese Mission at Moneta California on January 6th, 1917. In comparison with photos of the congregation in the 1920s and 30s, the members and pioneers in this picture are humbly dressed, with looks of less certainty on their faces.

Christmas in 1916
This 1916 photo of Christmas at the Moneta Japanese Baptist Church looks more festive, complete with decorated Christmas tree, garlands, and little girls dressed for the occasion.
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This 1916 photo of Christmas at the Moneta Japanese Baptist Church looks more festive, complete with decorated Christmas tree, garlands, and little girls dressed for the occasion.
"Met With Discrimination"
"I moved to Torrance in 1961 and immediately looked for a local church near our new home. Amazingly I found discrimination and mentioned it to one of my neighbors. They, Miyako's family, invited us to come to GVBC and we've been a part of this church--our three children grew up here (our son met his wife at this church!).
Happy times--my son being baptized followed by many of his friends, my mother moving to Gardena and joining Nichigo and accepting the Lord--our growth in the Lord through Rev. Ron Matsuda's teaching and golf fellowships.
Sad times--our daughter Tina's (illegible) as well as my mother.
Congratulations to our church on the 75th anniversary. It will continue to work towards the goals of the church.
-Kim Matsumoto
P/S: The enclosed is from my neighbor, Mrs. Miyako Matsunaga (nee Iwata), who attended the luncheon with Lydai & me."
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"I moved to Torrance in 1961 and immediately looked for a local church near our new home. Amazingly I found discrimination and mentioned it to one of my neighbors. They, Miyako's family, invited us to come to GVBC and we've been a part of this church--our three children grew up here (our son met his wife at this church!).
Happy times--my son being baptized followed by many of his friends, my mother moving to Gardena and joining Nichigo and accepting the Lord--our growth in the Lord through Rev. Ron Matsuda's teaching and golf fellowships.
Sad times--our daughter Tina's (illegible) as well as my mother.
Congratulations to our church on the 75th anniversary. It will continue to work towards the goals of the church.
-Kim Matsumoto
P/S: The enclosed is from my neighbor, Mrs. Miyako Matsunaga (nee Iwata), who attended the luncheon with Lydai & me."
"An Ideal Place...To Raise a Family"
"My recollection of the earlier years of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church goes back to May 1951, when our family moved to Gardena. At that time, Gardena was a small community with many open spaces. It was an ideal place to raise a small and growing family.
When I first came to this church there was just a handful of people worshiping in what is now the Nichigo Chapel. Rev. Roy Ishihara was our pastor and some of the people in the church were Paul Kuida, Mary Tachihara, Hank and Holly Iwai. I was told that this group had been meeting in the Gardena Community Center and just recently had moved to the present location.
My two oldest children were of primary age at that time and their Sunday School class met in what is now called the Butterfly Room. The Sunday School was larger than the adult group and showed potential for growth.
When I think about the 75 year history of our church, I am grateful to God for the American Baptist missionaries and the pioneer Isseis who laid a firm foundation for our church. God honored their vision, and today we have a large spiritually growing church body. I continually thank Him for the church which is centered on Him."
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"My recollection of the earlier years of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church goes back to May 1951, when our family moved to Gardena. At that time, Gardena was a small community with many open spaces. It was an ideal place to raise a small and growing family.
When I first came to this church there was just a handful of people worshiping in what is now the Nichigo Chapel. Rev. Roy Ishihara was our pastor and some of the people in the church were Paul Kuida, Mary Tachihara, Hank and Holly Iwai. I was told that this group had been meeting in the Gardena Community Center and just recently had moved to the present location.
My two oldest children were of primary age at that time and their Sunday School class met in what is now called the Butterfly Room. The Sunday School was larger than the adult group and showed potential for growth.
When I think about the 75 year history of our church, I am grateful to God for the American Baptist missionaries and the pioneer Isseis who laid a firm foundation for our church. God honored their vision, and today we have a large spiritually growing church body. I continually thank Him for the church which is centered on Him."
"Lost in a Big Japanese Church"
"When I first began at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, I felt lost in such a large Japanese church. I grew up in San Diego and attended San Diego Holiness Church which was small in comparison to Gardena Valley Baptist. As I got involved in teaching Sunday School, I began to feel a part of the church. I feel that involvement in our church provided many opportunities to get to know others on a deeper level and to develop a network of support and encouragement.
Over the past twenty-four years I have been able to establish many friendships. I am thankful to the Lord for the many ways people at Gardena Valley Baptist have blessed my life and have helped me to grow in my Christian life. God's love has been shown through the lives of others. We are all in progress and in the process of becoming more and more like Christ."
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"When I first began at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, I felt lost in such a large Japanese church. I grew up in San Diego and attended San Diego Holiness Church which was small in comparison to Gardena Valley Baptist. As I got involved in teaching Sunday School, I began to feel a part of the church. I feel that involvement in our church provided many opportunities to get to know others on a deeper level and to develop a network of support and encouragement.
Over the past twenty-four years I have been able to establish many friendships. I am thankful to the Lord for the many ways people at Gardena Valley Baptist have blessed my life and have helped me to grow in my Christian life. God's love has been shown through the lives of others. We are all in progress and in the process of becoming more and more like Christ."
Thanksgiving
"As Thanksgiving approaches it is easy to be filled with many thoughts of thankfulness. As I ponder what I am thankful for, I realize that the things I am most thankful for are those things which I take for granted. Since I could remember Gardena Valley Baptist Church has always been there ministering to the Japanese community. The one thing I am thankful for is the people of the church and especially the staff both current but most importantly those who served in the past. For it was through some friends when I was younger that were there for me, planting the seed, nurturing it, and watering it, awaiting its fruit. It was through the training that those friends received they were able to answer my questions and encourage me. For that I am gratefully thankful.
Continue Blessings GVBC,
Alyne Yamanaka."
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"As Thanksgiving approaches it is easy to be filled with many thoughts of thankfulness. As I ponder what I am thankful for, I realize that the things I am most thankful for are those things which I take for granted. Since I could remember Gardena Valley Baptist Church has always been there ministering to the Japanese community. The one thing I am thankful for is the people of the church and especially the staff both current but most importantly those who served in the past. For it was through some friends when I was younger that were there for me, planting the seed, nurturing it, and watering it, awaiting its fruit. It was through the training that those friends received they were able to answer my questions and encourage me. For that I am gratefully thankful.
Continue Blessings GVBC,
Alyne Yamanaka."
"A Memorable Gift...a Shotgun!"
"About 1975--for serving the Children's Ministry, the GVBC presented Ron Sugimoto with a memorable gift--(a 12-gauge Remington model 1100 - a shotgun!!)--it was presented to him by Dr. Ken Hiroshige during worship service."
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"About 1975--for serving the Children's Ministry, the GVBC presented Ron Sugimoto with a memorable gift--(a 12-gauge Remington model 1100 - a shotgun!!)--it was presented to him by Dr. Ken Hiroshige during worship service."
"Before and After the Japanese Evacuation..."
"On thinking over the great years at Gardena Valley Baptist since 1950--the year we arrived--we must thank God for all who have come to know Jesus Christ through its witness, before and after World War II and the Japanese evacuation.
How thankful we are for the children growing up in our church, who become believers, and who now take their place as mature members serving Christ responsibly at GVBC.
For them, and for dedicated staff God has provided all the many years, we give thanks.
'To God be the glory! Great things He hath done' and will continue doing!"
-Molly Nishimoto
(Mrs. Harumi Nishimoto)
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"On thinking over the great years at Gardena Valley Baptist since 1950--the year we arrived--we must thank God for all who have come to know Jesus Christ through its witness, before and after World War II and the Japanese evacuation.
How thankful we are for the children growing up in our church, who become believers, and who now take their place as mature members serving Christ responsibly at GVBC.
For them, and for dedicated staff God has provided all the many years, we give thanks.
'To God be the glory! Great things He hath done' and will continue doing!"
-Molly Nishimoto
(Mrs. Harumi Nishimoto)

GVBC's 75th Anniversary
GVBC Celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1989 and held a banquet at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Beach to commemorate it. In honor of the occasion, a photo and memory album was put together with, members of the congregation writing memories or experiences they had had in the church.
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GVBC Celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1989 and held a banquet at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Beach to commemorate it. In honor of the occasion, a photo and memory album was put together with, members of the congregation writing memories or experiences they had had in the church.

Missionary Outreach
Gardena Valley Baptist Church continues to be active in sending out overseas missionaries, both short- and long-term. This image from a 1973 church directory shows the overseas missionaries for that year, the majority being in the field in Japan.
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Gardena Valley Baptist Church continues to be active in sending out overseas missionaries, both short- and long-term. This image from a 1973 church directory shows the overseas missionaries for that year, the majority being in the field in Japan.

Church Staff
This image is from the church directory in 1973. Although Gardena Valley Baptist Church started out as a small, Japanese-speaking congregation, over the years it has grown into a large multi-ethnic community while maintaining some Japanese roots. Revered Harumi Nishimoto, the Issei Pastor, would lead a separate Japanese-speaking congregation which GVBC calls the "Nichigobu," or Japanese-language group.
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This image is from the church directory in 1973. Although Gardena Valley Baptist Church started out as a small, Japanese-speaking congregation, over the years it has grown into a large multi-ethnic community while maintaining some Japanese roots. Revered Harumi Nishimoto, the Issei Pastor, would lead a separate Japanese-speaking congregation which GVBC calls the "Nichigobu," or Japanese-language group.

Sunday Morning Worship
This image is of a typical Sunday morning worship service during the late 1970s. Currently, this chapel is under construction.
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This image is of a typical Sunday morning worship service during the late 1970s. Currently, this chapel is under construction.

The Foyer on Sunday Morning
This picture from the 1970s depicts the atmosphere on any given Sunday to this day--people meeting, welcoming, and greeting each other.
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This picture from the 1970s depicts the atmosphere on any given Sunday to this day--people meeting, welcoming, and greeting each other.
Gardena Valley Baptist Church (currently located at 1630 W. 158th St. in Gardena, California) was founded in 1914 by the Los Angeles Baptist Mission Society, targeting the recent immigrant population that had come from Japan. The church started as a Sunday School for the children of immigrants at a small rented cottage in Moneta, California (now known as Gardena). Attendance later grew to include entire families, and a formal church was established in 1919, called The Moneta Japanese Baptist Church. Services were discontinued during World War II when the Japanese American community was forcibly removed and displaced at internment camps. After the war, the church met in various facilities including the Japanese Community Center and Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gardena. The church was never the same again; Sunday School enrollment had dropped from more than 700 children to about 200. Over the past 90 years, the Gardena Valley Baptist Church community has been indicative of the significance that a physical place of aggregation has on an ethnic community. Generations of memories, traditions, and families are tied to Gardena Valley Baptist Church, and it serves as a prevailing cultural and communal anchor for the ever-changing Nikkei community in Southern California.
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