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Shinto Shrine to Return to Westerville
The Kyoto Tea House and Shinto Shrine provided learning opportunities for Westerville community members and visitors before its removal in 2004. The structures were owned by George and Opal Henderson and were located on the corner of South State Street and West Plum Street where Northstar sits today.
An Authentic Japanese Cultural Experience
Mr. Henderson frequently traveled to Japan as a linguist teacher in the U.S. Army before living there with his wife and son for a year in the mid-1950s. During their stay, Mrs. Henderson fell in love with Japanese culture and the style of the family’s home in Kyoto, Japan. When the Hendersons moved back to the United States, Mr. Henderson converted the family’s cottage into a replica of their Kyoto home and named it the Kyoto Tea House. In 1958, the Hendersons opened their home to visitors to teach them about Japanese culture and customs as the United States and Japan continued to mend their relationship following World War II.
"Shinto Shrine is beautiful and unique, and the stories surrounding the shrine are just as beautiful and interesting,” said Westerville City Councilmember Dennis Blair. “The shrine helped community members move past the divides created by World War II and learn about a culture very different from ours.”
The Hendersons hosted countless school groups, organizations, social clubs and curious community members in the tea house. In 1964, the couple added the Shinto Shrine to the back of the property to house additional authentic Japanese art, furniture and instruments as their collection grew.
The shrine is a replica of one of Japan’s oldest shrines–Usa Jingu, dating back to 640 A.D. Mr. Henderson contracted builders to construct the shrine in Okinawa, Japan, then dismantled it and shipped 176 bundles weighing 26 tons to Westerville to rebuild the shrine on the Hendersons’ property. At the time of its construction, the Shinto Shrine was believed to be the only structure of its type outside of Japan. The 400-square-foot shrine was built from Japanese sugi wood, did not contain any nails, and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Mr. Henderson, his teenage son, and three Japanese professors spent two years reconstructing the structure.
Complete with a traditional garden, carp pond, cherry trees and stone ornaments, the shrine provided a sense of tranquility and serenity in the heart of Westerville, creating a truly unique experience for tourists and residents alike. A curved, bright red moon bridge helped slow visitors as they entered to focus on the natural beauty of their surroundings. Two large bronze statues—a female lion with its mouth open and a male dog with its mouth closed— guarded the shrine entrance and helped chase away evil spirits. Although authentic, the shrine was not consecrated, so it was only used for educational rather than spiritual purposes.
Last year, Westerville Parks & Recreation began exploring rebuilding the shrine, hiring Columbus-based architects Schooley Caldwell to help develop its reassembly as well as a site for installation.
The Shrine Changes Ownership
The Kyoto Tea House and Shinto Shrine closed in 1978 when Mr. Henderson died but reopened under his son Charles’ ownership in 1982. Tours ended again in 2002, when Charles, who then lived in Washington state, could no longer maintain the property from the West Coast. The property was listed for sale in 2004, which was the beginning of historical preservation efforts. Friends of the Japanese Tea House & Shrine, a group of Westerville citizens dedicated to finding a suitable owner, advocated for the property as it sat and eventually went into foreclosure under new ownership. The property was later sold, and the Kyoto Tea House was demolished due to its dilapidated state. However, the shrine and artifacts did not transfer in the sale. In 2004, the shrine was moved into storage at the Franklin Park Conservatory.
The Shrine Returns to Westerville
In 2018, the City of Westerville began researching the best way to reconstruct the Shinto Shrine in Westerville and restore the structure to its former glory.
“COVID-19 delayed that work, but it never left as one of our goals,” said Councilmember Blair. “We are happy to report there is plenty to rebuild, although it will need some tender love and care.”
In 2023, the City issued a request for proposals for the design of the reconstruction of the shrine, and selected Schooley Caldwell, an architectural firm that will focus on reconstruction and preservation efforts. The City is currently seeking grant funding to support the project.
When the Shinto Shrine is reconstructed, Westerville residents and visitors will have a lasting reminder of Westerville’s rich, inclusive history.
“Learning to forgive, listen to, and care for each other is part of what makes Westerville great,” said Councilmember Blair.
