Day 260: Japanese Church of Christ, Salt Lake City, Utah
📌APIA Every Day (260) - The Japanese Church of Christ in Salt Lake City is an important historical landmark, serving as one of the last remaining structures from the city’s once-vibrant Japantown, which has been overshadowed by modern developments near the Delta Center. Established in 1918 by members of Japanese Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the church has endured various challenges over the years. Today, it is one of only two surviving buildings from the area’s Japanese American community. Though the church is undergoing renovations, a small congregation of about 30 members continues to worship in its adjacent fellowship hall.
Founded during a period of widespread racial discrimination, the church became a key cultural and spiritual resource for Japanese immigrants who settled in the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the church witnessed several significant events, including the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the urban redevelopment that dismantled much of Japantown. These events have shaped the church’s role as a vital space for community, providing support and continuity during times of upheaval.
In recent years, the church has faced new challenges due to a proposed $3 billion downtown redevelopment project led by the Smith Entertainment Group. The plan includes extensive commercial, residential, and entertainment developments that could affect both the church and the nearby Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. The project raises concerns about increased traffic, limited accessibility, and the potential for the church and temple to be overshadowed by new construction. It also evokes painful memories of 1966, when urban renewal efforts severely impacted much of Japantown. This situation highlights a broader national debate on balancing development with the preservation of historically significant sites and the memories they hold.
Despite these challenges, the Japanese Church of Christ remains a significant institution in the community. It is not only a place of worship but also hosts cultural events, language classes, and other activities that help preserve the Japanese American heritage in Utah. Its continued existence highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain historical and cultural landmarks in the face of urban development.
LEARN MORE:
National Archives Catalog: Japanese Church of Christ NRHP Form
Pacific Citizen: Did You Know? Everything About JA History in Utah
KSL: 'Sharing our culture': Utahns celebrate Japanese Church of Christ's first-ever summer festival
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