The regular Sunday Morning Service starts at 10:30 AM. After their service, they have a Buddhism 101 discussion, and light refreshments. All are welcome to join. They close at 12:00 PM.
The main temple hall is called a Hondo*. It is here that they gather for services. It is a typical church like setting with pews and a service book. The shrine – Gohonzon *- is located in the front center.
The ringing of the Kansho* signifies the beginning of the service with a moment of quiet meditation.
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.
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.
Contact :
927 S. Perry Street
Spokane, WA. 99202
United-States
Tel : (509) 534-7954
Website : http://www.spokanebuddhisttemple.org
