The early Issei (first generation) Japanese pioneers had to work long hours of hard labor for menial pay. They suffered personal humiliation. They were denied citizenship, and endured poor working and living conditions. However, they never lost their human dignity and belief in their dream for a better life. For many, it was their religion that was the source of their strength. The history of this, and other, temples within the BCA is a history of religious people struggling to be accepted in an alien culture yet unyielding to the strong Christian influence.