Skip to content

History of the Temple

1947: Huron Street

In 1947, Toronto Buddhist Church purchased its first home on Huron Street.

Safe, warm and happy. Our first home at 137 Huron St. provided a place to nurture and share the religious aspects of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and accommodate our growing social activities. Active fundraising enabled the Toronto Young Buddhist Society to purchase this residence.

1955: Bathurst Street

In 1955, we needed a place to grow. As our membership increased along with temple activities, the original building on Huron St. no longer served our needs. We needed more space in a commercial area so property was purchased and a church built at 918 Bathurst Street for $63,000.

2005: 1011 Sheppard Avenue West (Our Current Location)

In 2005, we needed to address the aging building and parking nightmares on Bathurst St. so Toronto Buddhist Church purchased property and built a new Temple, close to the Sheppard Avenue West TTC subway station and near Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The building is stylish with large rooms for classes, meetings and workshops. We have our own library, meditation room and commercial kitchen to accommodate many social functions. We also have plenty of room for parking.

Our Sangha (community) includes 300 members, along with many other people who participate in various activities around the Temple.

We hold weekly services on Sunday morning at 11:00 am, as well as weddings, funerals and memorial services.

We welcome anyone who is interested in following the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism – it doesn’t matter what your age, race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Come visit our Temple and see if this is the right place for you!