The struggle to keep Canada’s oldest Chinese temple open
Somehow the deity emerged unscathed from the fire that ripped through the Government Street temple in 1980.
Like the others in the Yen Wo Society — fewer than 100 of them now — Butz belongs to the Hakka people who brought their own dialect with them when they emigrated from China. A few still speak the old tongue. That temple was erected at Government near Fisgard in 1876. It stood for more than 30 years until the Yen Wo Society, which had been formed to care for the it, erected a new building on the site in 1912.
The families that come to the temple to make offerings have their own red banners hanging down the wall, snug against furniture that came from China in the early 1900s. Look up and you’ll see a domed ceiling with a skylight. Most of the time, though, worship is a more solitary pursuit. “There’s no service or anything,” Butz says.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Canada is among the prime targets for Chinese interference attemptsAn Iowa police discovery a half-century ago underscores the long arc of Beijing’s efforts to shape politics and society across the Pacific, with Canada as a critical platform
Read more »
Hugh Stephens: C-18 does not violate Canada’s trade agreement obligationsAs
Read more »
Restaurants and bars across Canada brace for biggest alcohol tax jump in 40 yearsCanada\u0027s restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country\u0027s alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years.
Read more »
Prince George ranked 22nd most bed bug infested city in CanadaB.C.'s northern capital has made Orkin Canada’s annual list of the 25 most bed-bug infested cities
Read more »
Canada tops Turkey, moves one step closer to playoffs at women’s world curling championshipCanada improved to 7-4 with the victory and moved into a third place tie with Norway at the 13-team tournament
Read more »