Pagoda

Electrical Students work at the Peace Pagoda

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Nestled in the woods of Leverett MA is one of only a few Peace Pagodas in the United States. Known as the New England Peace Padoga, it has been around since 1986. In November of 1987, the newly constructed Buddhist temple at the Peace Pagoda burned to the ground. Now, a new temple is deep into construction. Electrical students from Franklin County Technical School, under the direction of their instructor, Bill Gallant, have been busy doing the complex electrical work at the temple.
	Left: The Temple which is still under construction. Right: FCTS Electrical students sit on the stairs to the Peace Pagoda
	As the students conclude their electrical work on the temple until spring, one student demonstrates the work that was done.
	The lower floor of the temple, which will eventually house some of the monks, provide living quarters and dining areas, has a complex grid of wiring.
	Neatly installed wiring was done by the students under the watchful supervision of Bill Gallant. The electrical students involved in this project have gained valuable skills along with exposure to a culture not often experienced by many teenagers.
	This area, in the lower level of the temple, will eventually become living quarters.
	Three students have a fun moment as they begin the clean-up process necessary before leaving the job site.
	Left: Clean-up inside the temple. Right: Students packup their tools and equipment in the electrical trailer.
Assorted pictures of the Peace Padoga, Temple and grounds
	Students at the pond on the rock bridge which is constructed of balanced rocks.
	Instructor, Bill Gallant, stands near a ceremonial drum located in the upper level of the temple.
	The temple has much construction still left to complete, but the massive size is already easy to see.
	The Peace Pagoda. Peace Pagodas have five components: • a square base • a hemispherical dome • a conical spire • a crescent moon • a circular disc A Peace Pagoda is designed to provide a point of focus for people of all races and creeds with the goal to help unite them in their search for world peace.
	The Temple, under construction, was designed by architect Shigehiro Shishido
	Delicate rock stackings dot the woods and other areas at the Peace Pagoda.
	A monument is located between the temple and Peace Pagoda.