Buddhists look ahead to new temple

Published online on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

There’s a sense of excitement in the Buddhist community over the new Family Dharma Center taking shape on East Alluvial Avenue in Clovis.

It’s been a long time coming for Fresno Buddhist Temple, a Kern Street fixture since 1902, whose members have wanted to move to the area where many of their young families live. Plans are for a new temple with stadium-style seating, small chapel, administrative offices and the Family Dharma Center with gymnasium and classrooms.

So excited are Buddhist officials that they have been giving tours of the construction to central San Joaquin Valley congregations affiliated with the temple.

Tour-goers notice the striking “beam” architecture — and the immediate neighbors. To the west is the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno in Clovis. To the north is Northside Christian Church in Clovis. Temple officials remain busy raising funds. Project committee member Bob Ishikawa writes in this month’s temple newsletter that a campaign has begun to raise $300,000 for the classrooms, gymnasium back boards and other items.

The temple’s minister, the Rev. Nobuo Miyaji, current board chairwoman Paula Kanagawa, and building project committee member Glenn Hamamoto also traveled this month to Koyto and Tokyo to raise funds for the second-phase temple.

Scaffolding at First Pres

There’s renovation work going on at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fresno, particularly to the exterior of the sanctuary. On a recent day, nine levels of scaffolding blanketed a new steeple taking shape, topped by a white cross. Much of the renovation will allow congregants to leave services through new side areas with covered walkways.

Sports to ministry

Paul Swearengin is well-known for his sports broadcasts, radio and television. He also is becoming known in the area’s faith community.

Swearengin, husband of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, helped start a new congregation, The River, a year ago. The River recently moved into new offices at 4550 N. Brawley Ave., Suite 111 and started a new Thursday Night Fire service. And Swearengin has expanded his role as a pastor with Mike Horn. CBMC Fresno, a ministry to business and professional men, also plans to keep Swearengin busy. He will serve as moderator for a panel discussion — “Do Things Always Work Out for the Best?” — at the ministry’s luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at TorNino’s Banquets, 5080 N. Blackstone Ave. Cost is $15. Details: (559) 225-5095.

And he and Ashley will tell their faith stories as guest speakers at the ministry’s Valentine’s-related event, the Sweetheart Banquet, at 6 p.m. Feb. 5, also at TorNino’s Banquets.

Southern gospel fun

You can’t help but tap your toes and smile at the Central California Southern Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Funtastic events.

The Golden State Quartet, Chordsmen and Crandall Brothers will be featured at a Funtastic concert next Saturday at Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, 430 Peach Ave., Clovis. Details: (559) 298-3097.

Visalia Biblegoers

Bible prophecy has been a hot topic at the Visalia Downtown Bible Study, which is held at noon Tuesdays at 210 W. Center St., otherwise known as the 210 Center. The Rev. Bob Grenier, pastor of Calvary Chapel Visalia, leads the study, which recently took a look at “The Antichrist.” Details: (559) 687-0220.

Ron Orozco covers religion for The Bee. He can be reached at rorozco@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6304.