Our church, a Japanese speaking independent United Church in Canada, was formed by immigrants who had to move again after the internment. In 1991, when the Pearl Harbor attack was commemorated, we celebrated our 45th anniversary; this marks a half century in which we walked through the Centennial evangelization of Japanese Canadians. When the founder, Rev. Dr. Kosaburo Shimizu, suddenly passed away after his 16 years' ministry, our church became a large Japanese Church of 360 members and the Nisei Church was also growing. This remarkable growth in a foreign land can be attributed to several things.
The first to Rev. Shimizu's dedication and leadership. Also, to the many well-trained lay people, who had come from various Japanese churches who cooperated and worked together with their leader and one another. It is due to their efforts that a great number of newly converted people could enjoy an undiscriminating Christian way.
The second pastor, Rev. Makio Norisue, led this Church to its peak. Many excellent speakers were invited. New Year and Lent prayer meetings were highlights. Two travel groups were also organized to Japan and the USA. At its peak, membership numbered 3776 with 23 Elders and 19 Deacons in the year 1968.
During the period of our third pastor, Rev. Casper Y. Horikoshi, new immigrants from Japan increased through the Shinsei-kai group. He and his wife loved and nurtured them well. For this purpose a camp ground was leased and also Sunday worships were held. Even today the good memories of visiting the Holy Land headed by Rev. Horikoshi are alive among our elder members.
Our fourth pastor, Rev. Hiraku Iwai, led this church to become a genuine United Church in Canada. Since he loved to sing, the choir was well organized. Bethel Bible study programs were conducted for lay leadership training.
Up to this point all Japanese ministers were rotated every five years. At Rev. Toyotsune Ben Murata's time, this rule was terminated; he stayed for 11 years. During his period, membership decreased due to elder members passing away. Moreover, the Church had to face the prosperity of the world and its secularization. Against this stream, Rev. Murata and his wife Takeko, led this Church to become a true Christian church, not simply a Japanese gathering. Sunday worship was well ordered and the Shinsei-kai was renamed and redirected as Migiwa-kai (taken from Psalm 23). Though Rev. Murata himself was one of the original promoters for immigration to Canada, under his leadership the members enjoyed the good program of welcoming students of Eiwa Women's College. In 1990, Rev. Haruo Aihara, who graduated from the same Tokyo Union Theological Seminary as Rev. Murata, came from the USA. It is expected that this joyous Nichigo Church will grow to accomplish its unique call in this international city of Toronto.