Sharon Temple
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Attractions
By: Chelsea Edgell
York Region has many pioneer buildings and museums, but the Sharon Temple stands apart from the rest. Built by a religious sect known as the Children of Peace, this three-story building has an interesting and complex history that is kept alive by the Sharon Temple Museum Society.
In 1801, a Quaker named David Willson arrived in the area from New York. After his ministry was rejected when he began to preach at the beginning of the War of 1812, he and his followers formed their own sect and established themselves in the village of Hope, now called Sharon.
The Children of Peace were active political reformers that, among other accomplishments, helped form the first political party in the province. The group also spearheaded Canada's first farmers' co-operative and its first shelter for the homeless, in addition to forming a credit union and the province's first touring civilian band.
Constructed during the period between 1825 and 1831, the temple was designed as an architectural representation of the sect's philosophy. The square shape and the centre doors on each side symbolized equal acceptance of people from all directions. The three stories represented the Holy Trinity.
Built in rough imitation of King Solomon's temple, the building also features 12 pillars representing the apostles and four central pillars bearing the words Faith, Hope, Love, and Charity. The staircase leading to the musicians' gallery was known as Jacob's Ladder, another biblical reference.
The Children of Peace disbanded shortly after Willson's death in 1866, and by 1890 the temple stood vacant, but in 1919 the York Pioneer and Historical Society bought the temple and converted it to a museum.
Now in the care of the Sharon Temple Museum Society, the temple grounds also feature other pioneer buildings including David Willson's unusual round outhouse. The Temple Society remains respectful of the sect's original practices, most notably by recreating the Feast of Illumination each September by placing 116 candles in the temple windows. Open for rentals and curious visitors, the temple is certainly a sight to behold.
The Sharon Temple is located at 18974 Leslie Street, at Mount Albert Road. For more information, call (905) 478-2389 or visit www.sharontemple.ca