1946 with its first meeting held at Rev. Ichikawa’s residence with a membership of 146.

In 1952, Seattle joined the newly formed National Women’s Federation. In 1963, the Northwest District Fujinkai hosted the 7th National SWA Conference in Seattle with 819 delegates. National conferences were again held here in 1972 with nearly 1000 delegates and in 1995 with 900 delegates.

With a membership of 368, Fujinkai's 75th anniversary was observed in 1983 with a memorial service and banquet. For its 85th anniversary, an anniversary book was published. Presently our group consists of not only our honored Issei but also Nisei, Sansei and Caucasian members who work tirelessly behind the scenes for the welfare of the temple and its membership. Activities include cleaning, food preparation including ohagi for Ohigan, various classes, fund raising, hospital and retirement home visitations and monetary as well as gift donations to ministers and temple organizations.

A Fujinkai Memorial service is held yearly where over 500 deceased members are honored by the reading of their names at the service. We feel that their contribution to our organization and the Betsuin is priceless and it is our way of remembering them with gratitude and affection.

DHARMA SCHOOL

In 1912 the SUNDAY SCHOOL Department was established at 1020 Main Street with a branch in the late I 920s at 8th Avenue and Dearborn. In 1974, the terminology, Sunday School, was changed to Dharma School.

Because of the increasing enrollment in the Dharma School which peaked in the 60s with 500 students, classes were held in the nursery building and the entire temple basement area was utilized. Additional classrooms were needed, and, thus, ground breaking ceremonies were held on December 29, 1963, for the construction of Memorial Hall to contain many new classrooms. The building was dedicated on May 31, 1965. When the enrollment peaked, Dharma School, which met at 10 a.m., was divided into an upper and lower division, alternating the use of the hondo and the classrooms to accommodate the many students.

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