The Temple Of Tolerance, Wapakoneta

About The Temple Of Tolerance

The Temple of Tolerance in Wapakoneta is a sculptural garden and meditation space created as a refuge for young people facing difficult family circumstances or troubled relationships. Visitors walk meandering pathways through grounds decorated with countless carefully positioned rocks, many of them massive, and ornamental features that reveal surprises around each turn. The site includes a cottage built in the shape of a barrel, a door from a jail cell that once held members of the Dillinger gang, and peaceful alcoves designed for rest and meditation. The Temple's creator describes it as the physical manifestation of a philosophical concept—more a state of mind than a place. The grounds embody the belief that all people possess a natural capacity for goodness. Adults who visited during difficult childhood and teenage years often credit the Temple and its creator's friendship with guiding them through those challenging periods. The Temple serves visitors seeking a contemplative experience or a quiet refuge in Wapakoneta, Ohio.