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HISTORY
Toronto Japanese United Church:
In 1946 the Toronto Japanese United Issei (First generation immigrant) congregation was formed.
The Nisei (Second generation Canadian-born) congregation was formed in 1954 under the
direction of Rev. K. Shimizu at Queen Street United to minister to English-speaking Japanese
Canadians.
Due to expansion, the two congregations moved to Centennial United Church in 1958. The Isseis
used the main sanctuary and the Niseis built a chapel designed by Raymond Moriyama.
In the 1960's, the birth rate was high and the Sunday School kept growing. Other groups which
thrived during this period were Explorers, C.G.I.T., Tyros, Sigma-C, C.J. and Married Couples
Club. A manse was bought in Don Mills to centralize the minister's travelling time because
members were spread across Toronto.
Other functions that were established included annual picnic, May concert (Satsuki Matsuri),
Mothers' Day Tea, Turkey Dinner, Married Couples' Dance and Bowling Night.
During the 1970's, the Sunday School enrollment peaked at about 200. The North Camp (Camp
Koyu) on Lake Scugog (50 miles east of Toronto) was leased for summer camps, worship services
and retreats. Camp encouraged many new people to attend the Church. Younger Nisei began to
take a more active role in the Church, relieving the older charter members.
In the 1980's, Sunday School enrollment decreased resulting in a decision not to continue to lease
Camp Koyu. As the Sanseis (third generation) reached adulthood, they began to take leadership
roles including positions on the Board. In 1986, the Toronto Japanese United Church Nisei
congregation amalgamated with Centennial United Church.
Centennial United Church:
The origins of Centennial start in 1883, when Dovercourt Methodist Church was established on
Westmoreland Avenue. The church building at 701 Dovercourt Road was constructed in 1891 to
serve the founding congregation of the building who changed their Dovercourt name to
Centennial Methodist Church to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Rev. John
Wesley. At this time, the Sunday School, the Ladies' Aid and the Women's Missionary Society were
established.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 1
In the 1900's there was growth in church membership resulting in the construction of the present
building. The Centennial monthly was established which was a periodical carrying the news and
challenge of the church to young people in the community. Also established at this time was the
Epworth League youth group which, together with the Sunday School, sponsored Dr. A.E. and Mrs.
Best as their missionary representatives to China. In 1917 a manse was purchased at 100
Delaware Avenue.
In the 1920's the Presbyterian church across the street became divided and 560 of their members
joined Centennial. After the formation of The United Church of Canada, Centennial United
Church was established in 1925. The Alice Munns Auxiliary was formed to support Miss Munns, a
missionary in India. In 1927 an addition was built to the rear of the church for the Sunday School.
During this period, the Wohelo Bible Class was formed (still in operation today) and the idea of a
church camp was born.
In the 1930's membership and activities reached a peak with Sunday School at full capacity with
an enrollment of 1,374, a young people's group of 322, many mid-week activities and a church
membership of 1,794.
The 1940's saw the start of the Beacon which was a monthly publication for members overseas to
keep in touch with the community. Due to the war, a number of members were lost. The
basement was demolished and rebuilt as the Friendship Centre. Another program started was So-
Ed which allowed young people to enjoy crafts, lectures and fellowship. Sunday School and
church enrollment declined.
In the 1950's due to declining membership (934 members and 234 Sunday School), Toronto
Japanese United Church was invited to share the facilities. The Married Couples' Group was
organized and the first Singsong Reunion of former Sunday School members was held (a tradition
which continues today).
In the 1960's and the 1970's, the Golden Age Club and the Caribbean Club were formed; the
English Language School and Nursery were started. In 1978 the manse was sold.
In 1981, due to further declining membership, Centennial joined Wesley-Grace-Carmen and
Westmoreland to become a three-point pastoral charge known as Westennial. A food cupboard
was started with headquarters at Wesley Church. Another monthly newsletter , also known as
the Beacon, was started to link shut-ins to the three churches. In 1986, the Centennial
congregation amalgamated with the Toronto Japanese Nisei Congregation and became
Centennial-Japanese United Church. At this time, a comprehensive History of Centennial
congregation was written (available in the church library).
Centennial-Japanese United Church
In 1986 the Toronto Japanese United Church Nisei congregation and Centennial United Church
amalgamated and the church was renamed Centennial-Japanese United Church.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 2
Now in the 1990's, the dependency on racial ancestry as a bond is decreasing. Although our
Sunday School includes some children of Japanese immigrants who attend the Japanese-speaking
congregation, enrollment is low. We believe our hope for the future lies in the neighbourhood
children.
In 1991 a lift was installed as a Centennial project celebrating the 100th anniversary of
Centennial United Church.
Former Ordained Ministers and Ministry Staff (Toronto Japanese Church):
1954 - 1956 Emmanuel College student supply
1956 - 1959 Rev. Bruce Cunningham
1958 Rev. Levi Hussey (Move to Centennial United Church)
1959 - 1960 Rev. K. Shimizu
1960 - 1961 Rev. Ed Yoshioka
1961 - 1966 Rev. Min Takada
1966 - 1967 Rev. William Morris
1967 - 1969 Rev. Gordon Imai
1969 - 1979 Rev. Ken Matsugu
1979 - 1985 Rev. George Tomita
1979 - 1981 Susan King (Christian Education Director)
Former Ordained Ministers (Centennial)
1891 - 1892 Rev. J.J. Ferguson
1892 - 1893 Rev. Peter Addison
1893 - 1895 Rev. W.J. Smith
1895 - 1898 Rev. E.L. Hart
1898 - 1900 Rev. R. McKee
1900 - 1904 Rev. A. Bedford
1904 - 1906 Rev. E.A. Pearson
1906 - 1910 Rev. John Pickering
1910 - 1914 Rev. W.F. Campbell
1914 - 1917 Rev. J.R. Patterson
1917 - 1921 Rev. R.R. Corrigan
1921 - 1925 Rev. W.L. Armstrong
1925 - 1934 Rev. R. Newton Powell
1925 - 1928 Rev. H.J. MacKay (Associate)
1929 - 1933 Rev. R.J. Fallis (Associate)
1934 - 1935 Rev. E.A. Chester
1935 - 1937 Rev. Gilbert Wilson (Interim)
1937 - 1952 Rev. Stanley H. Greenslade
1952 - 1955 Rev. Colin R. Rudd
1955 - 1964 Rev. Levi Hussey
1964 - 1976 Rev. William Morris
1976 - 1980 Rev. William Lamb (Interim)
1980 - 1981 Rev. William Pace (Interim)
Centennial-Japanese United Church 3
1981 - 1984 Rev. Harry Martin
1981 - 1985 Rev. Paul Vavasour
1984 - 1986 Rev. Frank Dalton
1985 - 1986 Rev. Bruce Bailey
Former Ordained Ministers and Ministry Staff (Centennial-Japanese)
1985 - 1993 Rev. Seiichi Ariga
1990 - 1991 Nigel Weaver (Staff Associate)
1991 - 1994 Cindy Cooper (Staff Associate)
1993 - 1994 Rev. Stephen Willey (Intentional Interim)
1994 –1995 Rev. Bill Bruce
Centennial-Japanese United Church 4
STATISTICS
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986
Membership 359 365 440 441 444 447 444 433
Inactive 71 71 N/A* N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transfers in 0 1 0 0 3 7 21 0
Transfers out 2 1 0 2 1 0 4 0
Confirmation 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4
Baptism - adult 0 0 1 0 0 3 10 2
Baptism - infant 3 3 1 6 2 3 5 2
Weddings 4 3 9 5 5 7 7 5
Burials 12 23 14 16 19 9 6 10
Deaths 4 6 1 3 5 4 6 2
Average Attendance 89 93 93 101 101 112 108 104
Sunday School 14 16 22 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Enrollment
* Not available
Centennial-Japanese United Church 5
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1993
1993 BUDGET 1993 ACTUAL 1994 BUDGET
INCOME:
Local Offering $59,500.00 $61,444.32 $67,000.00
Loose Offering 1,500.00 1,431.84 1,500.00
Building Fund 4,800.00 4,075.00
Donations 11,000.00 15,403.50 13,000.00
Birthday Offering 300.00 274.00 300.00
Wedding/anniversary 500.00 449.00 500.00
Memorial Offering 11,700.00 10,793.84 11,000.00
Easter Offering 2,000.00 1,764.00 1,800.00
Lenten Cards 750.00 785.75 800.00
Thanksgiving Offering 1,700.00 1,484.00 1,500.00
Christmas Offering 2,500.00 1,447.00 2,000.00
Bazaar Income 7,500.00 8,237.39 8,000.00
Special Income 9,341.12 3,500.00
Bank Interest 1,000.00 127.38 300.00
Manse Sale Income 6,000.00
TOTAL $104,750.00 $117,058.14 $117,200.00
EXPENSES:
Salary-ministers $40,260.00 $44,234.51 $34,000.00
Salary-secretary 4,620.00 4,357.10 4,800.00
Car Allowances 7,700.00 7,369.19 5,500.00
Housing Allowances 7,000.00 11,516.63 19,200.00
Church Pension And Grp 4,738.00 5,132.01 4,800.00
UIC And CPP 3,071.00 3,476.54 4,000.00
EHT Expense 690.00 681.35 400.00
Realty Taxes 3,000.00 2,930.45
Manse Expense 2,400.00 1,581.53
Presb And Conf Dues 4,200.00 4,146.52 4,050.00
Japanese Conference 1,656.00 1,652.00 1,650.00
Church Maintenance 26,000.00 25,881.50 25,900.00
Telephone 450.00 336.32 400.00
Stationery & Supplies 4,000.00 2,831.12 3,350.00
Postage 880.00 853.03 900.00
Offering Envelopes 430.00 353.29 370.00
Music 950.00 850.00 900.00
Honorarium 950.00 800.00 800.00
Christian Education 600.00 267.32 500.00
Literature 150.00 276.43 300.00
Observer 175.00 77.00 100.00
Advertising 710.00 710.65 750.00
Gifts And Flowers 375.00 185.65 250.00
To Benevolent Fund 750.00 785.75 800.00
Misc Expense 1,738.00 1,832.14 2,000.00
TOTAL $117,493.00 $123,118.03 $115,720.00
Surplus/(deficit) ($12,743.00) ($6,059.89) $1,480.00
Balance Jan. 1, 1993 9,164.13
From Camp Fund 13,063.69
Balance Dec. 31, 1993 $16,167.93
Centennial-Japanese United Church 6
LIFT PROJECT FUND ENDOWMENT FUND
Original cost (our share) 94,000.00 Balance Jan.1, 1993 $12,322.97
Investment Income 1,510.99
Balance Jan. 1, 1993 ($7,109.18)
Offering 9,820.00 Balance Dec.31,1993 $13,833.96
To Operating Fund (2,710.82)
Balance Dec. 31,1993 $0.00
CAMP FUND SPECIAL PROJECTS
Balance Jan. 1, 1993 $13,724.58 Terry Fox Run $447.00
Interest Income 331.33 Massey Centre $100.00
Cedar Glen Retreat (992.22) Christmas Greetings
to Operating Fund (13,063.69) (proceeds to
Shalom House) $275.00
Balance Dec. 31, 1993 $0.00 White (cash) Gifts
(to Guelph University
Nutrition Project) $106.00
MISSION & SERVICE FUND BENEVOLENT FUND
Envelope Givings $14,949.50 Forward from 1992 $238.95
Wohelo 100.00 Funds Received 785.75
World Food Day 199.15 Miscellaneous
Misc. Projects 186.50 disbursement (40.00)
From Benevolent Fund 324.10 To M & S Fund (324.10)
Candlelight Service 240.75
U.C.W. 1,850.00 Balance Dec. 31,1993 $660.60
To M & S Fund
(U.C.C.) 17,750.00
1994 M & S Budget 17,750.00
Centennial-Japanese United Church 7
PHYSICAL PROPERTY
Located at 701 Dovercourt Road, Toronto, Ontario, the building which houses Centennial-
Japanese United Church was erected in 1906 with an addition built in 1927.
The main sanctuary with a seating capacity of one thousand is currently used by the Nichigo (Issei)
congregation for Sunday worship in Japanese and for weddings and funerals. Music is provided by
an electric organ and chimes located in the choir loft. Additional light is provided by a stained
glass dome. Air flow is assisted by four reversible ceiling fans.
Behind the main sanctuary are the large meeting room known as the Junior Room, a nursery
room, a secretarial office and the newly decorated parlour connected to a kitchen. The
secretarial office includes a 286 computer with inkjet printer, answering machine, fax machine
and telephone system which has intercom capabilities. The current secretary's hours are Monday
to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Below the main sanctuary is a full basement known as the Friendship Centre which has a wooden
stage and is adjacent to a fully-equipped kitchen. A lower level has a small gymnasium and the
boiler room containing a gas-heated steam boiler (installed in 1993).
The top floor includes a chapel designed by Raymond Moriyama. Built in 1958, the chapel seats
one hundred and eighty persons and is primarily used by Centennial-Japanese United Church for
worship. Music can be provided by either the small organ or the piano located in the chapel. The
minister's office has an entrance from the chapel. Also located on this floor are several spare
offices and storage rooms as well as the new photocopier.
The building has a sound system in both the main sanctuary and the chapel. The lift permits
wheelchair access to the chapel and all 4 levels. The lower floor washrooms accommodate
wheelchair users.
Being a downtown location, there are property limitations including limited parking and lack of
land available for expansion; however, there is a possibility of purchasing adjacent properties.
There is no manse provided as the manse was sold on May 4, 1994.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 8
ORGANIZATIONS
The governing body of the Church is the Official Board and most activities of the Church are
carried out by or organized through the Official Board and its committees:
Christian Education Communications
Finance Justice, Social Action and Outreach
Membership Care Ministry and Personnel
Property Worship
The Official Board is composed of 18 elected members; the President of the United Church
Women or her delegate; the Church Treasurer and the Minister(s). The Official Board meets on
the 3rd Sunday afternoon of each month.
In addition to the Official Board and its committees, there is a Men's Club, a U.C.W. and a Wohelo
Bible Class.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Recruits, trains and supports Sunday School teachers, helpers and superintendents. Promotes and
supports youth and young adults, Bible study, adult education and Christian education as a whole
including retreats. Looks for new and creative approaches to Christian education. Sponsors the
annual Stone Soup Sunday and GST (goods, services, talent) auction.
COMMUNICATIONS
Provides for announcements of regular and special events; is aware of and publicizes events and
needs in the Church community and city that are of particular interest to the Congregation;
develops and maintains a resource and literature centre/archives room; co-ordinates and
publishes the annual report, congregational Newsletter and annual Directory of Members; is
responsible for the Observer Every Family Plan; organizes and distributes the annual
congregational Christmas card.
FINANCE
Develops the annual operating budget for the congregation; maintains a set of books of account;
promotes a sense of Stewardship among all members; manages the Building Maintenance Fund
and the Building Sustaining Fund which is funded jointly with the Nichigo Congregation; promotes
and receives funds for the Mission and Service Fund and develops fund drives as required.
JUSTICE, SOCIAL ACTION AND OUTREACH
Centennial-Japanese United Church 9
Promotes the Mission and Service fund to the congregation and encourages support; promotes
contributions for outreach endeavours at the local, national and international levels especially
those sanctioned by The United Church of Canada such as Stop 103 Food Bank, Shalom House and
the Toronto United Church Emergency Refugee Relief (TUCERR) House.
Examines social, moral and ethical issues of the day and if considered of sufficient importance,
alerts and educates the congregation to them.
MEMBERSHIP CARE
Institutes and oversees a program of pastoral care to the congregation. Defines what it means to
be a member, adherent, and non-resident member; sets up and implements a system of visitation
to each member or adherent in the congregation; sets up pastoral groups that gather for
fellowship, discussion and caring; trains and motivates pastoral visitors; continually evaluates and
updates the Congregational Roll; ensures a program of communication that will notify staff,
pastoral visitors or congregational members of illnesses, bereavement, births, marriages, shut-ins,
or other events or situations in the parishioners' lives; provides visitation and telephone contact
to new members or people who come to the church; provides suitable programs or events for
those individuals or groups in need of care. i.e. seniors, shut-ins, bereaved, young adults;
oversees the sending of cards or flowers to congregational members.
MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL
Provides a confidential setting for consultation with and support and assessment of all staff
persons
and for the people of the congregation; reviews working conditions and salary levels of staff
members; ensures the preparation of a job description for each staff member; monitors and
promotes a positive working relationship between Church staff, members of the Centennial-
Japanese United Church congregation and the community. Conducts an annual review and
evaluation of effectiveness of the Church staff members as these persons and positions relate to
the congregation's program as defined by the Official Board.
PROPERTY
Ensures proper maintenance of the Church property; prepares a job description in conjunction
with the Ministry and Personnel Committee for the caretaker(s) and ensures the fulfilment of
these duties; organizes any major repair or construction projects approved by the Official Board;
establishes guidelines for the use of the Church building; approves for payment by the Treasurer
in an acceptable manner expenses incurred under the approved Annual Budget.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Centennial-Japanese United Church 10
Makes and receives recommendations and promotes dialogue within the congregation concerning
the normal order of worship; educates the congregation in the knowledge, skills and art of
Christian worship; recommends policies regarding baptisms, marriages and funerals; provides
overall direction for congregational and choral music in the order of worship; oversees the
preparation of the elements for communion and the schedule of members to serve; prepares and
coordinates the scheduling of ushers, scripture readers, children's time story-tellers, organists and
other participants in weekly worship; ensures appropriate sanctuary decoration; arranges pulpit
supply.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 11
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN
Consists of a President and committee of 29 ladies with a total membership of 60 in 1994.
Meetings or events are held monthly. Activities include service on Sundays of sandwiches, donuts,
coffee and tea with proceeds to the M&S Fund, the annual Bazaar in October; Christmas turkey
lunch; "Daybreak" - an enlightened renewal for women; Wohelo luncheon for members and
friends. Throughout the year, members assist in refreshments for funerals, ministerial and
special events.
MEN'S CLUB
Consists of an executive committee of five and a membership of 16 men. Organizes the annual
church cleanup, the turkey dinner, U.C.W. appreciation night, annual golf tournament and the
pancake luncheon.
WOHELO BIBLE CLASS
The Wohelo Bible Class (formed in 1925) started as a group of teenage girls who grew to
womanhood together over the years. The group's purpose was reflected in its name which comes
from "work, help, love". Mrs. Winnie Price taught the class for over 25 years and the group still
meets monthly today. Some of today's members have been members since the group started.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
The Sunday School is a critical component of the life and work at Centennial-Japanese United
Church. Attendance fluctuates through the year and, although enrollment is low, a full program
is offered each Sunday for 4 to 18 year-olds as well as nursery care.
WEEKDAY PROGRAMS:
The premises of the church are rented to the English as a Second Language Program from Monday
through Thursday mornings. The Wohelo Bible Class meets once a month on Tuesdays. The
congregation wishes to revitalize. As part of this process, we hope to encourage more mid-week
groups.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 12
PAID CHURCH STAFF
In addition to the minister, paid church staff includes a caretaker responsible for cleaning and
maintenance of the church building; an administrative assistant responsible for all administrative
and secretarial aspects of the church.
DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP
Centennial-Japanese United Church provides spiritual and tangible support to the Japanese
Canadian community across the Greater Toronto area and, to a limited degree, the
Bloor/Dovercourt neighbourhood. Because we are the only United Church in Toronto whose
ethnic base is Japanese Canadian, our membership is drawn from across the Greater Toronto area
as well as the Bloor/Dovercourt neighbourhood.
Although we have a membership list of 359 members, the weekly attendance at services is
approximately 90. Of the active members, approximately half are retired. About 94% of the
active members are Japanese Canadian and most are middle class with a high school or university
education level.
We support the work of various organizations including food banks (Stop 103), Shalom House,
Evergreen Mission for Street Youth, Guelph University Nutrition Project, Massey Centre for
Women, Momiji Health Care Centre, Castleview/Wychwood Towers, Nipponia Home, Caravan,
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and other agencies as appropriate.
INTERESTS OF CHURCH MEMBERS
The congregation has expressed a moderate level of interest in the areas of outreach,
evangelism, mission, stewardship, social justice and education. Participation in various outreach
projects includes food bank donations, Sunday School penny drive, white gift, rummage sale and
pop tin tab collections.
The current level of effort taken to minister to the community suggests that the local outreach
programs including the English language classes should be sustained. Individuals who are not
members of the church periodically request the minister to conduct funeral and wedding
Centennial-Japanese United Church 13
ceremonies.
Although very few regular services are conducted by the laity, the current emphasis on lay
ministry appears satisfactory. The Christian Education Committee, the UCW and the Men's Club
have on occasion conducted services and individuals take summer services when the minister is on
holiday.
In spite of the congregation's general comfort with the existing organization some reorganization
is necessary to deal with the perception that influence over policy is not equitably distributed and
that disagreements are not debated openly. Considerable importance is placed on doing things in
the church in a traditional way.
Many members are seeking solace in their relationship with God (Psalm 23, Matthew 11).
Ecumenical activities have recently declined as the Centennial-Japanese congregation no longer
participates in the joint ecumenical Good Friday worship service with the other Toronto Japanese
Christian churches. Inter-faith dialogue could take place within the Japanese-Canadian
community or local faith communities.
The present building exceeds the needs of the existing congregation as the present growth of the
congregation is not significant enough to require expansion of either the building facilities or the
staff.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY (AROUND BLOOR AND DOVERCOURT)
The population in this area is changing slightly. There is a diverse cultural mix in this inner-city
locale with more first generation immigrants as well as younger professional couples.
There are many small businesses in the area with a recent influx of dollar stores. Shopping within
walking distance includes Dufferin Mall and the Galleria. The Dufferin Mall has a unique concept
in relating to the community by providing, in addition to shopping, learning experiences through
the Toronto Board of Education Learning Centre, classes in martial arts, English as a Second
Language, literacy and self-defense and a youth theatre.
Schools in the neighbourhood include Dewson Public School, St. Helen's Separate School, Bloor
Collegiate, Harbord Collegiate, Central Tech and Central Commerce. Also close by are
educational institutions such as the University of Toronto, O.I.S.E., Ryerson and George Brown
College. Toronto Western Hospital is also a short distance away.
The cultural and entertainment opportunities are many and varied. The church is within walking
distance of the subway which provides access to all of the cultural and educational opportunities
across the Greater Toronto area including numerous theatres (Pantages, St. Lawrence, O'Keefe),
Centennial-Japanese United Church 14
concert halls (Roy Thompson, Massey Hall), and restaurants.
Other United Churches in this area have become two or three-point charges or are an open door
to community needs but there are many other denominations in this immediate area.
We have a close relationship with the staff of the Earle Elliott Funeral Home which is located just
north of the church.
Centennial-Japanese United Church 15
CALENDAR OF CHURCH PROGRAMS
September Terry Fox Walkathon
Mochi Tsuki (Bazaar preparation)
October Annual Church Bazaar
Stone Soup Sunday (World Food Day)
Joint Memorial Service
November GST Auction (goods, services, talents)
Remembrance Sunday
Baptism Sunday
December Montreal Massacre Commemoration Service
Centennial Sing Song Reunion
Wohelo Christmas Lunch
White Gift Sunday/Turkey Dinner
Joint Christmas Service
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
January C.E. Retreat
February Pancake Luncheon
U.C.W. Daybreak
Annual Congregational Meeting
Ash Wednesday Service
March U.C.W. Appreciation Night
Good Friday Service/Daily Bread Food Bank
April Penny Sunday
Rummage Sale
Regional Meetings
May Christian Family Sunday Joint Service/Mother's Day Tea
Lay Sunday (Toronto Conference)
June U.C.W. Windup Dinner
Baptism Sunday
Promotion Sunday
Annual Picnic
July Every member visitation
August Men's Club Golf Tournament
Centennial-Japanese United Church 16
