Seasons have come and gone, trees have grown, and years have passed, but the Sharon Temple National Historic Site has remained much as it was in this 1927 photo.
The beautifully preserved temple in Sharon, Ontario was completed in 1832 by a small community known as the Children of the Peace. The architectural elements of the Temple combine to express the vision of the community. Its three tiered structure takes its inspiration from the Bible, representing the Holy Trinity. A museum since 1918, a trip to the Sharon Temple provides a unique glimpse to the past.
Some highlights inside the building? One is Jacob’s Ladder, a gently curved staircase, which leads to the musicians’ gallery above.
Known for their pageantry, the Children of Peace celebrated musical tradition: they formed the first civilian band in Canada and commissioned the first organ built in Ontario.
If you are a music lover, make sure to time your visit to coincide with Sharon Temple’s summer music series. An 230-seat venue, the Sharon Temple is well known for its acoustical ambience and the beauty of its surroundings in the summer.
Plan your visit to the Sharon Temple here.
One reply on “Now & Then Hidden Gem: Sharon Temple, Ontario”
Thanks for this article! Every time we drive to Keswick, we see Sharon Temple. And I couldn’t help but wonder about its origin. Its shape is so unusual, makes you think how diverse the community of the first settlers must have been, both by origin and faith. Hey, even now there are people here of all faiths and beliefs leaving peacefully together.
Well, we love music and certainly will be looking forward to visiting this gem, hidden in our own community…