ABOUT THE
SPOKANE BUDDHIST TEMPLE
In 1945, with a nucleus of six dedicated
Buddhists, the first Sunday service was performed by Reverend Eiyu Terao in
a rented apartment at S. 516 Cowley Street. A month later a residence was
purchased a half block south at S. 628 Cowley. A shrine, a gift from the
Toppenish Buddhist Church, and a scroll with the inscription "Namu Amida
Butsu" was installed in 1946. On October 3, 1948, the statue of Amida Buddha
was enshrined and the Church was officially dedicated. The ceremony was
officiated by Bishop Enryo Shigefuji.
After Reverend Terao was transferred to
California his brother, William, became the resident minister in 1952.
 With the growth in membership a need for larger
facilities became evident and the present building with adjoining gymnasium
at S. 927 Perry Street was purchased from the Liberty Heights Baptist Church
on April 1, 1965 and was dedicated on October 16, 1966.
Reverend William Terao left the Spokane area in
1972, and Reverend Ikuo Nishimura of the Yakima Buddhist Church served the
congregation on a once-a-month basis until June 1973, when Reverend Shingo
Hattori was assigned was assigned as the resident minister until his
departure in December 1976. Reverend Ichiju Yamana arrived on March 1, 1978.
 The Perry Street Church was destroyed by an arson
fire on April 23, 1992. The original shine was saved by firefighters and is
still in use in the newly rebuilt church.
(View
an image of the construction)
 The current Spokane Buddhist
Church was rededicated on October 1, 1994. Services are provided on a
once-a-month, basis by the Seattle Betsuin. The other Sunday services are
hosted by members of the Sangha.
 |
