sharon temple

I grew in the area and have been to Sharon Temple many times. It is one of my favourite places to visit. The story of the Children of Peace, break-off group from the Quakers, and the design of their community and the temple itself is very unusual and quite fascinating. The temple design is all representative of their philosophy and the Bible. The temple is like a three layered wedding cake representing the trinity. The four sides of the building are essentially identical indicating that people from anywhere are welcome. Inside, their are eleven wooden pillars for the disciples that hold up the second floor where a band used to play. The pillars surround a large and wonderfully carved., Arch of the Covenant with an open Bible visible. The arch was being taken apart thirty odd years ago for restoration when a secret chamber was discovered containing the writings of the sects founder David Willson. A large arching wooden ladder goes from the main floor to the second floor (Jacobs Ladder) There are several other buildings on the site - pioneer log cabin, William Doan's house (the builder of the Temple). Inside an old driving shed, there are museum displays that include information about the Children of Peace, David Willson and the Rebellion which several members of the sect were part of and were imprisoned. There are items carved by the prisoners when they were in jail. There is a lovely little building built in the same architectural style of the Temple called David Willson's study. It is a tiny building, essentially a little offfice, with windows all around, a desk and chair,where he wrote. Anyway, Sharon Temple is a must-see and now highway 404 goes through the area so it is a 35 minute drive from Toronto (exit on Mount Albert Sideroad and drive west to the four corners in Sharon. (five minutes). There is a website listing events at the museum, which is open from May-October. It is stunning in the winter in the snow - you can see it from the fence if you are in the area in the off-season.

Last month while staying in Newmarket for a house sit, we took a couple of hours to look at Sharon Temple. I have known about it for many years, just never took the time. Unfortunately they were planning a big event for the weekend so the other buildings were locked, being prepared for the Weaving Words event.However, the main temple was open and we were able to look into the windows of the study used by the founder, David Wilson. They give you a small pamphlet describing the history of the building and how they had broken away from the Quakers in 1812. Right inside the massive front door is an extremely steep staircase (called Jacobs Ladder as in the bible) that leads to where the orchestra sat. You are not allowed on it as it could be very dangerous due to how steep and narrow it is.There are a couple of old organs to look at and the centre piece they call the Ark with an ancient bible inside. You would drive by thinking it is not important, but in fact the congregation called The Children of Peace where know for their commitment to political and social reform and to education and literacy, establishing schools for girls and boys at an early date.This has been called the "birthplace of democracy in Canada". Abandoned around 1889, and reopened as one of Canada's earliest museums in 1918.Be sure to put it on your map if you are in the area. If all the buildings were open, you could spend a couple of hours here. There is also a small gift shop and museum. The entrance fee is by donation. There is a lot of lawn and some steps, so it may not be good for someone that is in a wheelchair.William Lyon Mackenzie said in 1830: You are about to enter a building "calculated to inspire the beholder with astonishment."We enjoyed it.

The symbolic thinking that went into the design of the temple (and the small study building next to it)has really led to a striking religious structure. The Sharon Temple is a genuinely impressive building. Worth seeing. There are some fascinating buildings in Canada but nothing quite like this temple. If I didn't know better I might suspect it was a Shaker building (though more ornate). Go see it on a bright sunny day. The quality of the light flooding into that grand space through so many windows is a very pleasant sensation to experience. That golden ball chained up on the pinnacle somehow brings the whole eccentric design to life. Easy to visit. Uncomplicated trip.

Outstanding architecture, knowledgable, friendly staff, and great history. There is more than just the Temple to see; the property behind the temple hosts a small pioneer village. Very nice.

Growing up in Sharon I had the pleasure of being here often. In the early 60's before the Historical Society was more involved with restoring it I remember playing baseball in the back of the property and a lot of the windows were smashed. In 1967 our Grade 6 class used some of the buildings for our movie All Because of A Hat. I had the pleasure of listening to several summer concerts there and the experience was wonderful.The temple reminds me of a wedding cake. My sons class from O.L.G.C. in Sharon went there for a class trip in the mid 90's to experience the buildings and the beautiful organ. Living in B.C. now I make the trip to visit the temple as I will this spring. Those beautiful maples in the fall are a feast for the eyes. Definitely an architectural treasure to cherish and experience.

I've always been impressed by the unique & striking design of this church whenever I've driven through Sharon. The Quaker sect which built it was also historically significant in the Upper Canada rebellion. Would definitely recommend stopping to see it if you are in the area. Its only open to visitors at certain times of the year so be sure to check first if you plan on seeing the inside.

Whenever we have trird to enter the Sharon Temple it has always been closed. The one time we did get in there was no one around to ask any questions. To be fair it has been some time since we stopped so things may have changed.

I loved this one, but then I love history. This is not old, at least as ancient history goes, but is none the less a very interesting building with interesting history. If close by, go visit.

It's a beautiful old temple which has been in Sharon for over 100 years and so incredible that the religious sect could build such an amazing structure.

In addition to a really interesting history and fascinating architecture, grab any chance you get to attend one of the summer music series. The space makes for a wonderful summer evening or afternoon. Highly recommended.

i live really close and many people come to visit it. it only opens certain dates a year. the inside is amazing hard to believe that is so old. try to go upstairs where the music chorus was. it is not so easy to get up.

First of all, despite the TripAdvisor listing, this is in EAST Gwillimbury, not West Gwillimbury. A lovely 35 minute drive from Toronto, the 404 currently ends right in the East Gwillimbury region. (Although they are building an extension as I type this.)The building is architecturally beautiful and the history of David Willson and the Children of Peace is fascinating. Check out their website for the full story - but it is absolutely worth a day trip. See where Yonge street originally ended, and where Lake Algonquin was long ago. The staff was amazingly knowledgable and friendly and gave us a tour even though they weren't yet open! Several buildings on the grounds give tremendous insight into how the Children of Peace - and all pioneers - lived in the 1800s in Ontario.