Meishin America
of Tenrikyo Semba Grand Church
Tenrikyo in Malverne
Tenrikyo started on October 26, 1838 in the small village of Shoyashiki, Japan, when God the Parent spoke through the mouth of Miki Nakayama the following words:
"I am God of Origin, God in Truth. There is causality in this Residence. At this time I have descended here to save all humankind. I wish to receive Miki as the Shrine of God."
Receiving Miki as the Shrine of God, She became Oyasama, whom we revere as our Beloved Parent. For 50 years from then on, She led the path as the Divine Model, teaching Her children step by step the path to Universal Salvation. In Her 50 year path, She revealed the birthplace of human beginnings, the Jiba, and erected the Kanrodai, the Stand for Heavenly Dew. She also prepared the Kagura masks, taught the Truth of Origin, and ultimately the Hand Dance and Mikagura Uta, the Songs for the Service.
One of Her spiritual children who later became the Head Minister of Semba Grand Church, Rev. Shirobei Umetani, returned to Jiba for the first time on February 20, 1881. Originally he had been searching for a miracle to save his brother from his eye disorder. However, after listening to the teachings of Tenrikyo for the first time, he was convinced that this was the Ultimate Teaching. Upon departing home, Oyasama directed Shirobei in saying, “Husband and wife together, have faith in God.” So just as he was taught, Shirobei returned home and told his wife Tane of what he had discovered. Tane felt confidence in her husband and without hesitation, the two filled a rice bowl with water, and facing the Jiba, chanted, “Namu, Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto,” three times, and each drank half of the water as a token of their vow that as husband and wife they would always be together in their faith.
Decades later, the 4th Head Minister of Semba Grand Church, Rev. Tadakazu Umetani, directed attention to the overseas mission in America, sending Rev. Noriaki Ryono, First Head Minister of Meishin America Church. Relying solely on the Teachings and the voice of the Parent, Rev. Noriaki served to establish the first overseas Semba church in America on September 9, 1989. Meishin, or in Japanese characters, 明心, literally translates to "bright mind". This is the name Oyasama gave Rev. Shirobei Umetani to represent his congregation of followers over 140 years ago in May of 1881. Meishin America would represent the first church established in America of Meishin lineage.
In this path, if you affirm "God!" and "Oyasama!" in all situations and keep God's directions always firm in your mind, I shall always be with you whether you go one mile, two miles, three miles, or ten miles. Never will you be alone in sudden despair even if you go out to a distant place. From heaven, God will always stand firm in your favor. （Osashizu April 3, 1887)
On October 29, 2016, the Installation Ceremony for the 2nd Head Minister was held in high spirits. After serving 27 years of single hearted devotion to God, Rev. Noriaki Ryono completed his term, and passed the torch to the next generation. Newly installed minister and wife, Rev. Isamu and Yoshiko will continue in the footsteps of their predecessors, and vow to keep the faith throughout eternity.
Soon after, on January 19, 2019, the medo, object of worship was moved to the current location from Bayside, and the construction of a new sanctuary was completed on December 31, 2021.
The new sanctuary was completed on December 31, 2021.
Then finally, on September 26, 2022, Divine Sanction was received to establish the Medo in the newly completed shrines, and on October 3, Rev. Daiichi Umetani, 5th Head Minister of Semba Grand Church led a successful Enshrinement Ceremony. The next day, the Service to celebrate the enshrinement was held in high spirits!
On October 26, 2022, the Shinbashira announced the Instruction Four leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama to be held in January of 2026. The Three Year One Thousand day period has just begun, and our mission continues on forward!
