On 1st September, Konko Church of Izuo held the 3rd Anniversary of the late Rev. Toshio Miyake with approx. 1500 believers' attendance in spite of intense heat of late summer. Rev. Mitsuo Miyake, Chief Minister's Designated, served as Chief Mourner.
The memorial banquet was held at Rhiga Royal Hotel Osaka following the ceremony, and the special prayer was offered in front of the Miyake family tomb in Wakayama-city.

the sacred hall filled with attendees

It was a intensely hot day, Konko Church of Izuo was filled with believers, buses, and cars before noon gathering from around the country to attend the 3rd Anniversary of the late Rev. Toshio Miyake. At 2 o'clock pm, the ceremony started at the sacred hall. Attendees expressed appreciation to Kami for saving grace of God for 3 years since Rev. Toshio Miyake passed away on 31 August 1999. His grandson, Rev. Mitsuo Miyake offered a sacred twig to the altar and all the attendees salaamed.

Rev. Mitsuo Miyake offered a prayer in front of the photo of the late reverend

In front of a huge photo of the late reverend, they chanted a prayer then they were moved to find the altar decorated with offerings when the screen was rolled up. All the attendees brought his great achievement to their mind and decided to take over his spirit.

Rev. Tatsuo Miyake delivering an address

Following the offering a prayer and a sacred twig to the altar, Rev. Tatsuo Miyake, Senior Chief Minister of Konko Church of Izuo, and Miyake family offered a sacred twig prior to the representative of believers. No distinguished guests were invited to this ceremony, only family and believers attended. After the most Rev. Tatsuo Miyake's speech, all the believers offered a sacred twig to the altar; it took more than 40 minutes till finish.

all the believers offered a sacred twig

The memorial banquet was held at Rhiga Royal Hotel in the evening with attendance of staffs in Osaka and branch shrines. The most Rev. Tatsuo Miyake delivered an opening address, then some representatives made a condolence massage. They talked and cherished a memory of the late reverend. At the end of the banquet, Rev. Mitsuo Miyake delivered a closing address.

Rev. Tatsuo Miyake at the banquet

On the next day, 2 Sep, they offered a prayer in front of the Miyake family tomb and display the attendee list of the previous day.

in front of the family tomb