Seattle Buddhist Temple Celebrates 100 Years

November 10, 2001

Source: The Seattle Times

On November 10, 2001, The Seattle Times reported that "it's something of a marvel the Seattle Buddhist Temple exists at all. Started by and for first generation Japanese who came to the United States in the late 1800s to build railroads and work in sawmills in a largely Christian country, its membership was decimated by World War II internments...When congregation members began returning after World War II, they found their lives had been altered forever...Still, the temple provided a place of solace during those difficult years and by the 1950s and '60s, membership swelled...Since then many have moved out to the suburbs but it's a testament to the strength of the temple that hundreds have continued to attend, even though they've become widely dispersed...this weekend the congregation is celebrating its 100th year."