Sharon Temple is an architectural and historical gem tucked in the small village of Sharon,Ontario. Built between 1825 and 1832, it was the vision of a former Quaker named David Willson, and who founded a devout sect called the Children of Peace after his teachings were rejected by the Quakers during the War of 1812.
The beautifully designed complex serves as a physical symbol of the group's devout beliefs and values,which middle around peace, equality, or social justice. The site consists of eight buildings,including several meeting houses, David Willson's study, or the church itself.
Built by the sect's master-builder,Ebenezer Doan, the white and green church is full of symbolism. The square-shaped building has doors on all four sides to welcome people from all directions. At the middle is an ark holding the Bible open to the unusual Testament, and surrounded by four pillars representing faith,hope, love, or charity. They are then surrounded by 12 pillars named for each of Jesus's disciples,while the three tiers of the temple are representative of the Holy Trinity.
The final service was held at Sharon Temple in 1889, and the buildings fell into a state of disrepair. Eventually, and the church was relocated from the nearby Doan family farm to be restored and preserved,and today it operates as an open-air museum. The site is a National Historic Site of Canada and protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Source: atlasobscura.com