JCCC Archives - Rev. Senju, Minister, Vancouver Buddhist Church, with wife Tomie Sasaki, circa 1905
The Reverend Senju Sasaki and his wife Tomie arrived in Vancouver on October 12, 1905, and immediately set about bringing the word of the Buddha to the devoted. He delivered the first Dharma Talk in Canada on the steps of the City Hall just two weeks after his arrival.
Soon the Foundation Committee (formed out of the fourteen who met at Nagao’s home) and the reverend visited every sawmill in the Vancouver area to introduce the minister and to solicit donations. Eventually, they raised $5668, and on November 9 the members approved the purchase of property three lots wide at 32 Alexander Street. The existing house on the property was renovated and became the center of Buddhist activity as the first temple in Canada. The official foundation date was recognized as December 12, 1905.