It all began

Nihonmachi, a lively bustling neighborhood, was the heart of Seattle's Japanese American community.  It was here that in 1901 seven young bachelor immigrants from Japan began the present Seattle Buddhist Temple.  At first, noodle shops and other local businesses became the meeting places for the Temple, until later that same year, a house was rented at 624 Main Street.

In 1908, land was finally purchased at 1020 Main Street and the Seattle Buddhist Temple was dedicated.  The Temple was the terminus for various activities; Services, weddings, funerals, picnics, Bon Odori, and theatrical performances took place on a regular basis.

Pictured below to the left is the first Bukkyo Seinenkai President, Rev. Shodo Hatano.  Pictured below on the right, the first authorized minister, Rev. Gendo Nakai is in the first row on the left.

In 1939, the congregation was forced to move when the 1020 Main Street Temple was torn down to make room for the city's Yessler Housing Project.  As a result, construction of the Temple was begun where it stands today.

Two months after the newly built Buddhist Temple was dedicated, World War II started.  In 1942, Executive Order 9066 was signed, forcing all Japanese Americans on the West Coast into relocation centers.

On May 3rd 1942, the last service was held in the midst of its members being sent off to the Puyallup Fairgrounds assembly center for relocation.  From 1942 until 1946, the Temple was rented to the United States Maritime Commission.  Services were not resumed again until August 4, 1946.  On returning from internment, the temple was found vandalized.

As the Temple members resettled from internment, activities began to start up again.  Today, the Seattle Buddhist Temple, holds Sunday Services, Bon Odori, educational programs, and various sports and cultural activities.