Eighth Minister: Mamiya Bin-no (1937-1975)
On June 1st, 1937, Mamiya Bin-no was appointed to the minister of Hakalau Mission taking over Minister Yamanaka’s place. He welcomed his wife Teruko the following year.
In this era the Japanese School flourished with approximately 300 students and four teachers.
Since all the buildings had been newly built during Minister Yamanaka’s time no additional new buildings or remodeling work was done. However, the work was put into enriching the church activities and as a result much higher participation in church activities was observed.
Since the opening of Japan-US war in December 1941, everything was halted and the church was closed as were all the other churches.
As soon as the war ended Minister Mamiya returned to the church to put in his effort to revive the church. Junior Association, Senior Association, Young Buddhist Association, and Fujinkai (Ladies’ Association) were revived. Including Aikido class, Japanese language school reopened under the name of Hakalau Meisho Gakuen.
From 1958 Yoshimizu Buddhist choir group started, following Pu’unene’s group in Maui. In 1962, an event to celebrate 60th Anniversary of the church was held. In 1970 50th Anniversary of Fujinkai (Ladies’ Association) was celebrated.
Despite all the activities in this era, after Hakalau Sugar Cane Plantation closed in 1974, most members moved to new houses in Hilo and its vicinity. Hakalau lost its golden days as Pu’unene did, and the decreasing population by day resulted in the very small community of the church and a few remaining homes.
In September 1975, Minister Mamiya was appointed to the 13th Minister General. This ended his time of 38 years as Hakalau resident minister.
On June 1st, 1937, Mamiya Bin-no was appointed to the minister of Hakalau Mission taking over Minister Yamanaka’s place. He welcomed his wife Teruko the following year.
In this era the Japanese School flourished with approximately 300 students and four teachers.
Since all the buildings had been newly built during Minister Yamanaka’s time no additional new buildings or remodeling work was done. However, the work was put into enriching the church activities and as a result much higher participation in church activities was observed.
Since the opening of Japan-US war in December 1941, everything was halted and the church was closed as were all the other churches.
As soon as the war ended Minister Mamiya returned to the church to put in his effort to revive the church. Junior Association, Senior Association, Young Buddhist Association, and Fujinkai (Ladies’ Association) were revived. Including Aikido class, Japanese language school reopened under the name of Hakalau Meisho Gakuen.
From 1958 Yoshimizu Buddhist choir group started, following Pu’unene’s group in Maui. In 1962, an event to celebrate 60th Anniversary of the church was held. In 1970 50th Anniversary of Fujinkai (Ladies’ Association) was celebrated.
Despite all the activities in this era, after Hakalau Sugar Cane Plantation closed in 1974, most members moved to new houses in Hilo and its vicinity. Hakalau lost its golden days as Pu’unene did, and the decreasing population by day resulted in the very small community of the church and a few remaining homes.
In September 1975, Minister Mamiya was appointed to the 13th Minister General. This ended his time of 38 years as Hakalau resident minister.