Source: The Buddhist Channel/Daily Press
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=65,7409,0,0,1,0
After two years of arduous planning and construction, members of the Chung Tai International Chan Buddhist Association have finished converting a derelict South Seattle church into a magnificent Zen Center and monastic residence. Ven. Jian Hu, the new Abbot of Buddha Jewel Monastery, was installed in a simple ceremony held September 20.
Chung Tai acquired the empty structure at 7930 Avenue South, formerly a Baptist church, just in time to save it from likely demolition by housing developers. The Association next set about gathering the necessary permits and then began an extensive remodel process to create the Buddha Jewel Monastery.
With major architectural changes complete, a thorough refinishing of floors, walls, and ceilings turned the structure into a beautiful modern Buddhist temple filled with serene ambience. In addition to the main Zen Hall for meditation, there is a library, modern commercial-type kitchen, dining room, lecture hall, nursery, and computer room as well as various other spaces available to the public and lay followers.