Denver Buddhist Temple

Economic conditions in Japan, sparked a movement to North America in the late 19th century. Many of these settlers were in search of employment, and some of the first Japanese settlers arrived in Denver in 1886. The Denver Buddhist Church was established in 1916. Reverend Tessho Ono and Family inaugurated the first Shin Buddhist Church in Colorado. This church was attended by 250 Japanese families and expanded its membership into Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Texas. Ministers would travel to these states to comfort the sick and perform memorial services.

Throughout the 1900s, the Denver Buddhist Church added other activities for members. They organized cultural events to bring the Japanese community together and established the Young Buddhist Association and a Sunday school with curriculum supplied by The Buddhist Churches of America. By 1934 there were 14 branch temples, in a 600-mile radius of the Denver.

During World War II some Japanese-Americans were able to leave places like California were they were subject to detention centers and relocation camps. A small number settled in Denver during the war where they endured discrimination and restricted movement, but owing to their small number there was not an organized movement to establish relocation camps. After the war 20,000 Japanese-Americans moved to the state. In 1947 this temple was built and replaced the prior structure on Market Street. The new facility was meant to serve the growing community in Denver, and with the heavy influx of new members, the church was renamed The Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple.

The Temple aims to provide, "an oasis of calm, acceptance, reflection and gratitude."

Now it is comprised of individuals, couples and families from a wide array of backgrounds. All who enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Buddhist learners. They offer religious services, a dharma school, education seminars, and more.

1. Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. Accessed July 5th 2020. http://tsdbt.org/web/node/8.
2. Wishart, David J. Encyclopedia of the Great Plains - Denver Buddhist Temple, University of Nebraska . Accessed July 15th 2020. http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.asam.009.