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Cleveland Buddhist Temple

Temple·Usa·20th century·Pure Land (Jodo Shinshu)

The Cleveland Buddhist Temple is a Pure Land (Jodo Shinshu) community affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America. Founded by Japanese-Americans in 1944 after their release from internment camps, it has faced relocations and rebuilding efforts, notably after its original structure was destroyed in the Hough Riots.

Key Facts

  • Founded in 1944 by Japanese-Americans.
  • Affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America and the Nishi Hongwanji tradition.
  • Original temple destroyed during the Hough Riots in 1966.
  • Relocated to Euclid, Ohio, in 1970.
  • Experienced membership growth following the arrival of Rev. Koshin Ogui in 1977.
  • Currently meets at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Important Relationships

  • Buddhist Churches of America
  • Nishi Hongwanji tradition
  • Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland
Founded Year
1944
Significant Events
  • Founded By Japanese-Americans Released From Internment Camps.
  • Original Temple Destroyed In Hough Riots .
  • Relocated To Euclid, Oh .
  • Membership Increase Following Rev. Koshin Ogui's Arrival .
  • Sold Euclid Building and Began Meeting At Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland .
Current Status
Active meeting at rented space
Visitor Information
Meetings and classes take place on the weekend of the third Sunday of every month.

About Cleveland Buddhist Temple

The Cleveland Buddhist Temple is a Pure Land (Jodo Shinshu) Buddhist community that currently convenes at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Its current Supervising Minister is Rev. Ron Miyamura, supported by Tokudo Ministers. The temple is formally affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America, which itself is part of the broader Nishi Hongwanji tradition headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

History

The center was established in 1944 by Japanese-Americans who had been released from World War II Internment Camps. The original temple structure was unfortunately destroyed during the Hough Riots in 1966. Following this event, the community relocated to Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, in 1970. After a period of decline, the temple experienced a resurgence in membership when Koshin Ogui arrived as minister in 1977. He was instrumental in forming a new group, Zen Shin Sangha, which significantly enhanced the temple's appeal and membership. The building in Euclid was sold in 2018, and since then, the congregation has held its monthly meetings and classes at space rented within the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Cleveland Buddhist Temple founded?

The Cleveland Buddhist Temple was founded in 1944. Its establishment followed the release of Japanese-Americans from World War II Internment Camps.

What denomination or tradition does the Cleveland Buddhist Temple belong to?

The temple is a Pure Land (Jodo Shinshu) community. It is affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America, which is part of the Nishi Hongwanji tradition headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

What happened to the original temple building?

The first temple building was destroyed during the Hough Riots in 1966. The congregation subsequently relocated.

Where does the Cleveland Buddhist Temple currently meet?

Presently, the congregation's meetings and classes take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio. This arrangement began after the Euclid building was sold in 2018.

Who helped revitalize the temple in the late 1970s?

Membership saw an increase after Rev. Koshin Ogui arrived as minister in 1977. He formed a new group called Zen Shin Sangha, which boosted the temple's appeal.