The
Seattle Buddhist Temple is of the Jodo Shinshu tradition under the
auspices of the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto Japan and the Buddhist Churches
of America. The first religious service of the Seattle Buddhist Temple
was held in a rented house at 624 Main Street on November 16, 1901,
and was conducted by Rev. Kakuryo Nishijima. That date is historically
recorded as the founding of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the Northwest.
A new temple was built at 1020 Main Street and dedicated on November
15, 1908. As the Sangha continued to grow, another parcel of land
was purchased in 1931, and the current temple was dedicated on October
4, 1941. Throughout World War II, Temple members were evacuated and
incarcerated in relocation camps. During the period May 3, 1942 through
August 4, 1946, the temple was occupied by the U.S. Maritime Commission
Office. After the War, temple facilities were used to provide temporary
shelter for returning evacuees, and to assist them with resettlement
problems. The temple was rededicated in 1946. To meet the needs of
the growing Sangha, an auditorium was built, and programs such as
the Day Nursery, Boy Scouts, Campfire groups, and the Research Department
for the Sunday school were initiated. The Day Nursery Building was
built and dedicated on November 14, 1955. The Memorial Hall Addition
was built and dedicated on May 31, 1964. Wisteria View Manor, which
is a low income housing facility for the elderly, was built by the
Temple and dedicated on May 17, 1981.
In recognition of the temple's continuous effort to propagate Jodo
Shinshu, it was elevated to "Betsuin" status by the Hompa
Hongwanji, Kyoto Japan, on March 11, 1954.
The Temple received "Historical Landmark" designation on
February 10, 1977. Since 1986, the Seattle Buddhist Temple has been
registered in the National Register as part of the Chinatown District
historic places. The Bon Odori festival that is held annually in July
has been a popular summer Seafair event.
Please visit our website at www.seattlebetsuin.com.
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