The Temple of the Children of Peace, commonly known as the Sharon Temple, is a remarkable example of sacred geometry. Designed after Solomon’s Temple and completed in 1835 by a breakaway group of Quakers, it elegantly illustrates the values of its builders.
The Children of Peace believed in equality, social justice and, of course, peace. Along with their leader and founder, David Wilson, they created the first farmer’s co-operative, homeless shelter, credit union and civilian band in Canada. The community championed democracy and supported William Lyon Mackenzie in the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.
The fine details and restrained embellishments of the temple show the care and craftsmanship of its makers. Each element carries a symbolic or religious connotation: the four identical doors remind us of the equality of everyone, the three tiers illustrate the Trinity, the windows are large and spaced evenly to allow light to reach all worshippers, and the twelve lanterns perched on the roofs represent the light of God delivered by the apostles.
The Sharon temple is Southern Ontario’s most enigmatic and compelling structure. No longer used for worship, it has been a historical museum since 1918. Its grounds at 18974 Leslie St hold other important buildings that have been brought to the site for preservation. Included below is the Ebenezer Doan house (1819), built by and named for the master builder of the temple. In Part 2 we will feature the interior space.
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