Temple of ECK

44°52′5.5″N 93°33′1″W / 44.868194°N 93.55028°W / 44.868194; -93.55028

Temple of ECK
Overhead view
From the parking lot

The Temple of ECK, near Lake Ann in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on about 174 acres (70 ha) of land, is the center of the Eckankar faith in the United States. The land was purchased by the church in 1985,[1] and the temple was built at a cost of $8.2 million, with construction beginning in 1989.[2] The building was completed in 1990.[3][4]

Opposition

Five hundred residents of the Chanhassen signed a petition opposing the construction of the building.[5] Some residents were worried about property values and an allegedly cult-like nature of the religion.[1] Others found it to be a poor use of land, thinking it should be used for development that would create a larger tax base. 2,576 people signed a petition asking the city to purchase the land.[6] Nonetheless, after hearing 21⁄2 hours of feedback from residents,[7] the Chanhassen Planning Commission voted on March 1, 1989, to recommend to the city council that a construction permit be issued.[1] The city council approved the permit for the 800-seat church on May 22, 1989.[8]

Building

Excavation began in October 1989, and the temple was dedicated a year later on October 22, 1990.[9] Its architectural style is defined by a "golden ziggurat", though more closely resembling a pyramid, symbolizing ascension.[10] Some 52,000 concrete blocks and 225 tons of steel were used in the building of the 50,000-square-foot (4,600 m2) temple. The building contains classrooms, worship spaces, and other meeting areas.[11] Photos of the religion's founder, Harold Klemp, are in every room.[12] A golden "EK" emblem sits above the main glass doors.[11] The main 8,000-square foot sanctuary has seating for 800 people and a 1,000-square stage. A large, six-pointed stained glass blue star representing the Holy Spirit is on the ceiling.[13]

The temple sits on 173 acres (70 ha) of land, making Eckankar the fourth-largest landowner in the city.[14] Some 2 miles (3.2 km) of prairie walking paths for contemplation are open to the public.[12]

Prior to the construction of the temple, the Eckankar headquarters were in New Hope, Minnesota.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Bentley, Rosalind (March 2, 1989). "Permit for church recommended in Chanhassen". Star Tribune. p. 3Be. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  2. ^ Miller, Timothy (1995). America's Alternative Religions. p. 366.
  3. ^ Lewis, James (1998). The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions. p. 206.
  4. ^ Barnes, Sam (January 18, 2006). "Members of temple say they have the passport for spiritual travels". Star Tribune. p. W2. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  5. ^ a b Furst, Randy (March 1, 1989). "Some in Chanhassen oppose complex for Eckankar group". Star Tribune. pp. 1B, 5B. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  6. ^ Klauda, Paul (April 17, 1989). "Economics, religion clash in Chanhassen". p. 8Aw. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  7. ^ "Commission OKs permit for church group". West Central Tribune. Associated Press. p. A3. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  8. ^ Bentley, Rosalind (May 23, 1989). "Chanhassen Eckankar permit OK'd by council". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  9. ^ Klemp, Harold (1991). The Temple of ECK. Minneapolis: ECKANKAR. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  10. ^ Howe, Jeffery W. (2003). Houses of worship : an identification guide to the history and styles of American religious architecture. San Diego, Calif.: Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 978-1-57145-970-1. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  11. ^ a b "The Temple · Eckankar". Religions in Minnesota. Carleton College. Archived from the original on October 7, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  12. ^ a b Hazzard, Andrew (August 31, 2018). "Spiritual movements ancient and modern develop roots in the southwest metro". Pioneer Press. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  13. ^ "The Chapel and The Sanctuary · Eckankar". Religions in Minnesota. Carleton College. Archived from the original on October 7, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  14. ^ Adler, Erin (June 25, 2016). "New Age religion Eckankar makes its home in Chanhassen". Archived from the original on June 26, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
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