Sharon Temple

[asnow]

Here are a few pictures of the Sharon Temple. I was only able to get some outside shots as it was closed for the winter. Will have to make a return visit when it is open to get pictures of the inside. For those who are interested, here is the history.

In the Upper Canada of the 1820s, with simple tools but consummate skill and artistry, a small community known as the Children of Peace crafted a dramatic architectural testament to its vision of a society founded on the values of peace, equality and social justice.

This plain folk of former Quakers led the country’s first farmers’ co-operative, built its first shelter for the homeless, and played a key role in the development of democracy by ensuring the elections of William Lyon Mackenzie, and both fathers of responsible government – Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine – in the formative years before Canadian confederation.

The Temple of the Children of Peace in the village of Sharon – with its Ark of the Covenant, inspirational Banners, Pipe and Barrel Organs and Jacob’s Ladder – was completed in 1832. It lives on as the centerpiece of the Sharon Temple National Historic Site, which encompasses nine historic buildings in a park setting.

The architectural elements of the Temple combine to express a singular religious vision of the most striking beauty. Its three tiers, four-fold symmetry, lanterns and pinnacles all take their inspiration from the Bible. Jacob’s Ladder, a gently curved staircase, leads to the musicians’ gallery above. Its three stories represent the Trinity. The four central pillars even bear names: Faith, Hope, Love and Charity.

Known for their pageantry, the Children of Peace integrated a unique social vision with distinctive artistic and architectural works and an unparalleled musical tradition: they formed the first civilian band in Canada and commissioned the first organ built in Ontario.

Leader David Willson’s Study of 1829, a smaller architectural gem, echoes the form of a vanished meetinghouse. The Ebenezer Doan house of 1819, constructed by the Temple’s master-builder and relocated from the former Doan family farm nearby, has been restored in an early garden setting. And do not miss another of David Willson’s architectural curiosities – the round outhouse

[Mad Aussie]

It's a strange looking thing. Lacks the architectural elements I would have expected from that era. Looks too plain. I saw 'interesting' rather than beautiful. Then my wife walked up behind me and said "That's pretty!" So maybe it's me?

I do like that 1st photo for it's composition, exposure and the overall pleasing scene.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very nicely done on these, especially on such a dismal grey day Asnow. What is the sphere suspended by cables between the four uppermost lanterns?

[Bambi]

It's a strange looking thing. Lacks the architectural elements I would have expected from that era. Looks too plain. I saw 'interesting' rather than beautiful. Then my wife walked up behind me and said "That's pretty!" So maybe it's me?

I do like that 1st photo for it's composition, exposure and the overall pleasing scene.

given that they were former Quakers I am assumming that they valued simplicity in all aspects of life- hence the lack of decorative features. However, it really is beautiful in it's simplicity. I also like the control you had of the exposure in taking these. it could not have been easy with all that white. I bet it would be really nice to see it in fall.

[celksy]

I think it has a beautiful, peaceful feel to it but then I love minimalist. Makes me want to be there.

[Marko]

A very interesting looking structure for sure. Shot 1 is my fave here.

[Iguanasan]

Shot 1 is very nice but I'm leaning a bit towards shot 2 because I like the way it seems to be hiding among the trees. In any event it's a very interesting structure, to be sure.

[susan]

It's a strange looking thing. Lacks the architectural elements I would have expected from that era. Looks too plain. I saw 'interesting' rather than beautiful. Then my wife walked up behind me and said "That's pretty!" So maybe it's me?

I do like that 1st photo for it's composition, exposure and the overall pleasing scene.

MA - maybe you missed this portion: In the Upper Canada of the 1820s, with simple tools but consummate skill and artistry of the introduction?

[susan]

asnow - I love learning about special places and appreciate you sharing not only your nice photos but a little background as well. I "google mapped" it to find it - what showed up? but a bunch of US locations! I wasn't successful in my brief map search, but will take the time to later.

[asnow]

Thanks everyone. I saw a a small story on this place on tv the other day. Weird, I used to live about 40 km from there for years and I had never heard of of it. Anyway. figured if I'm ever near there I would have to check it out. Yesterday was the day. Unfortunately it wasn't the best photography conditions, white building, white snow and a white sky. Also couldn't get near the building, fenced in and the gate locked. These pictures were the best I could do. I'll consider this a reconnaissance trip for a future visit when it is open.

Susan - here is the web link.
Sharon Temple - National Historic Site and Museum

If you look at the picture gallery, that staircase inside is a must see.