On June 24, the tenth memorial service for the third Shinbashira, Zenye Nakayama—who passed away for rebirth on the same day in 2014 at the age of 81—was duly conducted at the Main Sanctuary and the Memorial Hall of Church Headquarters with Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama presiding as chief officiant.
Shortly before 10:00 A.M., Rev. Nakayama left the Staff Quarters with other service performers for the Foundress’ Sanctuary and the Memorial Hall to pay respects before proceeding to the Main Sanctuary. After he read the service prayer on the upper dais, the Dance with Hand Movements was performed to the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo and the Twelve Songs.
The service was attended by a great many people including family members, Church Headquarters’ officials, head ministers of directly supervised churches, diocese superintendents, head ministers of branch churches, Yoboku, and other followers. In the Memorial Hall and the Inner Courtyard, the worshipers joined in singing the Mikagura-uta in unity of mind.
Thereafter, Rev. Nakayama changed into his kyofuku robe and proceeded to the Memorial Hall for a ceremony. He read a prayer in honor of the third Shinbashira, in which he said: “After succeeding to the truth of the Shinbashira, you always worked at the forefront of the Tenrikyo community as the core person of the path as you warmly guided people and exerted your full measure of sincerity to spread the truth of the teachings. You dedicated yourself especially to the enrishment of church substance and put your heart into helping churches flourish by visiting them in various countries and communities. Also, serving as the president of the Young Men’s Association from a young age and as the president of the Boys and Girls Association from its establishment, you devoted yourself to nurturing successors of the path with a sincere heart. Furthermore, you steadily advanced the enhancement of the Residence by leading the construction of the East and West Worship Halls and the Oyasato-yakata building complex. You also cared deeply about the worlds of academia, culture, and sports, and nurtured the young generation from both within and outside the Tenrikyo community through interacting with them. Even after retiring from the position of the Shinbashira, you were wholeheartedly committed to serving Oyasama as chief of Oyasama’s Affairs Section, and you also dedicated the rest of your life to providing care and guidance for Yoboku and churches by delivering the Besseki lectures and visiting regional churches.” Having honored the third Shinbashira’s virtues and sincerity, Successor-Designate Nakayama concluded the prayer by saying, “I pray that you accept our sincerity in serving you and that you continue to earnestly watch over the course of the path now and in the future.”
Prayers were then offered by the Shinbashira and family members as well as by representatives of distinguished guests, of Church Headquarters’ officials, of church head ministers, and of other followers. The ceremony came to an end with the words of appreciation delivered by Director-in-Chief of Religious Affairs Yoichiro Miyamori.