October will mark the 115th anniversary of the founding of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission.

Rev. Tessan Funakura of Wailuku Hongwanji Mission in March 1904 began commuting 25 miles on horseback – over the Pali’s precarious mountain trail – to start teaching Shin Buddhism in Lahaina Town.

In October 1904, Rev. Kenyu Arai was named the first resident minister of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, first based in the Mala District of Lahaina.

In May 1911, the present property at 551 Wainee St. was purchased. By October 1912, construction of the temple, minister’s residence and school was completed.

During the tenure of Rev. Shinri Sarashina (1924-36), a new temple was built in 1933.

This year, the mission is celebrating its rich history and embarking on an anniversary project to renovate, repair and maintain the temple built in 1933.

Several small benefits will be held to raise funds for the anniversary project, ongoing repairs and maintenance of the temple and facilities.

The first event will be Lahaina Hongwanji Mission’s Summer Fest Bazaar on Saturday, June 29, on the 551 Wainee St. church grounds from 8 a.m. to noon.

Craft and rummage items, plants, cut fresh flowers, baked goods and assorted local snack food favorites will be available for sale.

Members of the mission invite the community to celebrate and help support their ambitious anniversary project.