Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, a historic community center for Japanese and Japanese Americans in Seattle, is struggling to recover after a fire caused extensive damage on New Year’s Eve. The fire, believed to have been intentional, started in the basement and spread throughout the temple, causing significant smoke and water damage. The temple has been closed for restoration, with services temporarily moved to a nearby building that houses Densho, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Japanese American history during World War II.
The fire damaged key parts of the temple, including the main altar in the main hall (Jp: chien), which is currently being renovated in Japan, as well as historical archives dating back to 1901. These archives contained valuable documents about the temple's history, including records from World War II incarceration camps where many Japanese Americans were held. While volunteers were able to recover and preserve some items, many irreplaceable documents were lost.
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple President Tyler Moriguchi spoke of the emotional impact of the fire on the community. “There are people I used to see every Sunday that I haven’t seen in months,” Moriguchi said. “It’s especially hard on our older members. . . . The longer we’re not fully open, the more I think people are at risk of losing those (social) connections.”The Seattle Times)
Temple reconstruction efforts continue. $450 has already been raised to support restoration and upgrades to the facility, including improvements to the gym, heating, security, and audiovisual systems. Temple insurance has covered much of the cleanup costs related to smoke and water damage. The temple aims to gradually reopen by 000, although the schedule has been delayed.
Seattle police charged Waylon James Williams, 42, with first-degree arson, second-degree burglary and residential burglary in connection with the fire. A judge ordered Williams to undergo mental health treatment.*
The temple reopened in July for the annual Bon Odori festival, a traditional Japanese celebration that honors ancestors, which drew nearly 3 participants. The event provided a chance for many members of the community to reunite, despite ongoing renovations.
Seattle's Betsuin Buddhist Temple has been more than a place of worship; it has served as a cultural center, hosting activities such as taiko percussion, youth programs and social gatherings. For many, the temple is a vital connection to their heritage and community.
Andrea Mano, co-chair of the temple's archives committee, stressed the importance of preserving the temple's history: "It represents the history of Japanese Americans in this area and we want to preserve it. We want to make it known."The Seattle Times)
Despite the challenges, the temple community remains committed to rebuilding and maintaining its traditions. Temple members such as Janice Deguchi and Chris Grabowski, who have been attending services since 2007, continue to participate in Densho’s reduced weekly services.
“It’s not necessarily about an altar or a fancy space,” Deguchi said. “It’s ultimately about the Dharma, the message and the sangha. So we have all of that, even though we don’t have our temple anymore.” (The Seattle Times)
As Seattle's Betsuin Buddhist Temple continues its recovery, the dedication of its members and volunteers reflects the resilience of the community, keeping the spirit and teachings alive despite the physical challenges they face.
* Historic Seattle Buddhist Temple and Documents Destroyed by Fire (BDG)
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Seattle Buddhist Temple Recovers Physically, Spiritually After Fire (Seattle Times)
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
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The article Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple Continues Recovery From New Year's Arson Damage appeared first on Buddhist News Global.
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