Day 185: Historic Wintersburg, Huntington Beach, California
📌APIA Every Day (185) - Historic Wintersburg in Huntington Beach, California, is a site of historical importance for Japanese American settlement from the late 19th century through the post-World War II period. Covering 4.5 acres, the site includes six notable structures, including the oldest Japanese mission in Southern California. The Wintersburg Japanese Mission was established in 1904 with support from Charles Furuta, a key figure in the community. Despite laws restricting land ownership for immigrants, Furuta developed a goldfish farm and later engaged in flower farming, while the mission served as a central community institution.
The mission, initially a multi-faith and multi-ethnic effort, received funding from both Japanese and European American communities. By 1930, it was recognized as the oldest Japanese church in Southern California. The mission transitioned to a formal church under the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. but remained culturally diverse. In 2014, it became a non-denominational Christian church following a formal apology from the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. for its lack of support during World War II, when Japanese American congregants were forcibly relocated.
The mission's role extended to educational and community services through Japanese Language Schools, which helped maintain cultural ties. During World War II, some mission properties were repurposed by the U.S. military, and post-war efforts focused on reclaiming and preserving the site. On February 25, 2022, a fire destroyed two of the three historic structures, leaving only the 1934 Wintersburg Japanese Church. Despite its 1986 local historic landmark designation and recognition as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, the site continues to face preservation challenges.
LEARN MORE:
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Historic Wintersburg
#apiaeveryday #japanese #japaneseamerican #japaneseamericanhistory #huntingtonbeach #california #historicwintersburg #wintersburgjapanesemission #charlesfuruta
