Jodo Mission of Hawaii is looking for students or former residents who lived in the dormitory behind its Makiki temple who can help fill a gap in its 82-year history.

Anyone with information is invited to attend the mission’s New Year’s party Jan. 25 and share their stories and photos detailing their stay at the temple, according to a news release. RSVP by calling 949-3995 and providing contact information, including an email address.

Spokeswoman Sally Hayashi said in an email that Jodo Mission "was home to a lot of college students who lived here while attending college or trade school."

A dormitory in the back of the temple, Miyamoto Hall, is now an apartment building. "We understand the top two floors were for women from the outer islands and the men stayed downstairs below the temple. The first floor was a cafeteria where students and single ministers gathered to have their meals," Hayashi said.

"One person indicated that in 1941 he stayed at the dormitory. But when World War II began, he had to leave and look for work while the military took over the temple and its property.

"When the war ended and the military left, those who were interned (Japanese-Americans placed in internment camps) came to the temple for help. Some stayed for a while as they did not have much luggage or belongings. … This probably happened at many temples in Hawaii as the temple was the gathering place for their activities."

Jodo Mission originally started in Kakaako in 1896 and moved to its present location in 1932.