As I understand it, the Sri Gura Singh Sabha temple was established in Hong Kong about 1901 to meet the spiritual needs of Sikh residents in the city. Many Sikhs, at the turn of the century, were employed in British army regiments stationed in Hong Kong or served as policeman and guards in the city.
According to our family historical information the gurdwara in Hong Kong was an important component in the emigration of Punjabi men from India to Canada during the first decade of the 1900s. Between 1904 and 1908 about 5,000 Punjabis, some Hindus but mostly Sikhs, travelled from India to British Columbia, Canada via Hong Kong. Their original port of departure was usually Calcutta.
Our ancestor from the Punjab travelled in 1906 from Calcutta aboard a Jardine Company cargo boat, which made many stops in south east Asia before arriving in Hong Kong. This city was a vital stop for all emigrants as there was no immigration office in India. The Hong Kong immigration office handled the procedures required for final clearance to proceed to Canada - medical exams, documents, interviews etc. Emigrants from India found refuge and safe haven at the Hong Kong gurdwara while waiting for travel permits.
Temple officials provided not only food and lodging but also assistance with finances, medical concerns and booking arrangements. Most of all the gurdwara offered fellowship and security to the travellers who had embarked upon a life altering journey in search of a better life.
Thank you for sharing the information. The Hong Kong Gurdwara continues to provide free meals to everyone. A history book "Sikhs in Hong Kong" was released about a year or two ago.
Is there anything in your family records that illustrate your ancestors' impression of Hong Kong in the 1900s? Incidentally this is the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident in Vancouver.
I found the following article from 1902 that describes the temple's opening. Something I hadn't realised is that the temple was jointly funded by members of both the Sikh and Hindu religions.
The Hong Kong Telegraph, 12 May 1902, page 2:
NEW SIKH AND HINDU TEMPLE
INAUGURATED AT HONGKONG
Every credit is due to members of the Sikh and Hindu community of Hongkong for the generous manner in which they have subscribed to the funds for a new temple in the Colony. The idea has been mooted for the past twenty years, but the heavy cost of such an undertaking prevented its accomplishment. But now the difficulty has been overcome and yesterday morning the temple - Siri Guru Singh Sabha, Hongkong - was fittingly inaugurated. A large gathering attended the ceremony, and after meeting at the Central Police Station marched through Wanchai to the Gap behind Morrison Hill, where the new temple has been erected. Major Berger kindly permitted the band of the Hongkong Regiment to be present. The Sacred Book was deposited in the building and a religious service followed. Afterwards a general meeting was held at which there were present Subadar Ikbal Singh, R.A., president of the committee; Jemadar Lal Singh, H.K. Police, vice-president; Lala Sham Das, representing the Hindus on the committee; Seth Wasia Mall, representing the merchants and Sirdar Kehr Singh, representing the watch-men; Bhai Raga Singh, priest; Subadar-Major Sirdar Khan, H.K.R. (who assisted in getting the band); Subadar Teja Singh, former president of the committee, who came from Singapore to take part in the ceremony; Subadar-Major Sri Garjadhar Pershed, 5th Hyderabad Regt.; Subadar Langh, 22nd Bombay Inf. A number of Europeans were also present, including Mr. B. Brotherton Harker, the architect.
After a statement by Lada Sham Das in Hindustani, Subadar Teja Singh gave an address in English. He pointed out that in the Colony there was a Sikh and Hindu community of about 700, but that though the R.A., the Police and the merchants had each a copy of the Sacred Book at their respective places, there had hitherto been no centre where they could jointly offer their prayers and engage in the service. The provision of such a place had been thought of for the last twenty years, but the heavy cost had always stood in the way of its accomplishment. The coming of the China Field Force brought an opportunity however of their wishes being carried out. The Sikhs in the Force were asked to subscribe and every soldier, policeman and watchman in the Colony gave one month's pay and merchants one month's income. (Hear, hear.) The China Field Force assisted them very ably and other outside stations sent in their portions. For their success in securing a site from the Government thanks were due to Captain Bland, R.A., Mr. May of the Police, His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, and Mr. Ormsby of the P.W.D. The subscriptions were limited to Sikhs and Hindus. They had not thought it necessary to appeal to others for support and, thank God ! they had been able to effect their purpose, though they had no doubt that had they appealed to others that appeal would not have been made in vain. Among the subscriptions worth noting were $2,500 from the H.K. Police, $2,285 from the Nos. 1 and 2 Companies, H.K.S.B.R.A., $1,461 from the China Field Force, $223 from the Victoria Gaol, and $684 from the Shanghai Municipal Police. The total sum amounted to about $10,500. After expressing the hope that the Public Works Department would grant permission for the erection of the proposed small crematorium, Subadar Teja Kingh went on to say that their special thanks were due to Mr. Harker, who had kindly assisted them in getting the temple ready under circumstances of considerable difficulty and had done so in a manner reflecting the greatest credit upon him. He had now every great pleasure in asking Mr. Harker to accept, for Mrs. Harker, a ring as a token of their appreciation of his services, and he wished him and his wife long life and prosperity. (Applause.)
Mr. Brotherton Harker, in acknowledging the gift - a handsome gold ring set in diamonds - thanked the donors very heartily for their kindness. That gift was a token of their appreciation of his endeavours to construct their temple to the best of his ability. The circumstances attending its construction had rendered his take ((sic. should be "task"?)) rather difficult, but he was pleased to think that his work had given them satisfaction. (Applause.)
The building is a handsome structure reflecting credit on the architect, Mr. B. Brotherton Harker, who has had to contend with circumstances of considerable difficulty in connection with the work. The basement floor is arranged as a shelter for strangers and will accommodate 30 or so such. A cook-house and offices are adjoining. Above is the temple proper, a spacious oblong apartment, 30 feet by 50 feet, running the whole length of the building and opening out on to balconies on each side. At the upper end sits the officiating priest, and the floor is laid with carpets for the worshippers. The hall is approached from the front by a broad flight of steps. The facade of the temple is of Moresque design and presents a very pretty appearance. Except for the grant of a site by the Government, the entire cost of erection of the temple has been borne by the Sikh and Hindu community of this and some neighbouring coast towns. Yesterday's ceremony was the culmination of a design which the Sikh and Hindu community in these parts have fondly cherished for something like twenty years. The $12,000 or so that the completed temple and crematorium are estimated to cost have been almost alll subscribed, but only by the exercise of great self-denial on the part of those concerned. It is unfortunate that now, when the scheme is on the direct road to completion, an objection should have been put forward by the Government to the effect that they cannot authorise the construction of the crematorium in the form proposed. Hitherto the cremation of the Sikh dead has been carried out by the primitive method of a wood-fire in the open air. In connection with the temple a crematorium was proposed to be built at a cost of $500 or $600 which would have sufficed for all the needs of the community, but the authorities decline to sanction such a structure and recommend the erection of a crematorium on the European model. Such a place would cost anything from $20,000 to $30,000 and as the cost of cremating a dead body in that fashion is correspondingly expensive as compared with the present system, the Sikhs find themselves quite unable to follow the Government's recommendations.
Thanks 80sKid for the link! "In the 1930's the number of Sikhs continued to grow and the Gurudwara was needed to be rebuilt for a larger Sangat (Sikh community)." (Source is here)
This first generation temple was demolished in 1933, as described on page 7 of the China Mail, 1933-09-14:
NEW SIKH TEMPLE FOR COLONY
Demolition Work Begun.
NEW EDIFICE TWICE SIZE OF OLD
Demolition work has begun on the old Sikh Temple in Gap Road, in preparation for the erection of a new temple which is to be twice the size of the old one.
Owing to the rapid growth of the Sikh community in Hong Kong, it has for some time past been evident that the old temple was inadequate to accommodate the continually increasing throngs of worshippers, and the Committee of the Khalsa Diwan have therefore decided to build a new and larger one.
The new temple is expected to be ready in about 6 months' time.
The old temple was built in 1902 by contributions and subscriptions from members of the local Sikh community, to provide facilities for public worship by adherents of the Sikh faith and at the same time to provide guest accommodation for needy visitors passing through the Colony. Since 1902 the temple buildings have been considerably enlarged and improved, and a crematorium added in 1917.
Comments
Hong Kong Gurdwara
As I understand it, the Sri Gura Singh Sabha temple was established in Hong Kong about 1901 to meet the spiritual needs of Sikh residents in the city. Many Sikhs, at the turn of the century, were employed in British army regiments stationed in Hong Kong or served as policeman and guards in the city.
According to our family historical information the gurdwara in Hong Kong was an important component in the emigration of Punjabi men from India to Canada during the first decade of the 1900s. Between 1904 and 1908 about 5,000 Punjabis, some Hindus but mostly Sikhs, travelled from India to British Columbia, Canada via Hong Kong. Their original port of departure was usually Calcutta.
Our ancestor from the Punjab travelled in 1906 from Calcutta aboard a Jardine Company cargo boat, which made many stops in south east Asia before arriving in Hong Kong. This city was a vital stop for all emigrants as there was no immigration office in India. The Hong Kong immigration office handled the procedures required for final clearance to proceed to Canada - medical exams, documents, interviews etc. Emigrants from India found refuge and safe haven at the Hong Kong gurdwara while waiting for travel permits.
Temple officials provided not only food and lodging but also assistance with finances, medical concerns and booking arrangements. Most of all the gurdwara offered fellowship and security to the travellers who had embarked upon a life altering journey in search of a better life.
Re: Hong Kong Gurdwara
Hi Teulu,
Thank you for sharing the information. The Hong Kong Gurdwara continues to provide free meals to everyone. A history book "Sikhs in Hong Kong" was released about a year or two ago.
Is there anything in your family records that illustrate your ancestors' impression of Hong Kong in the 1900s? Incidentally this is the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident in Vancouver.
I found the following article
I found the following article from 1902 that describes the temple's opening. Something I hadn't realised is that the temple was jointly funded by members of both the Sikh and Hindu religions.
The Hong Kong Telegraph, 12 May 1902, page 2:
NEW SIKH AND HINDU TEMPLE
INAUGURATED AT HONGKONG
Every credit is due to members of the Sikh and Hindu community of Hongkong for the generous manner in which they have subscribed to the funds for a new temple in the Colony. The idea has been mooted for the past twenty years, but the heavy cost of such an undertaking prevented its accomplishment. But now the difficulty has been overcome and yesterday morning the temple - Siri Guru Singh Sabha, Hongkong - was fittingly inaugurated. A large gathering attended the ceremony, and after meeting at the Central Police Station marched through Wanchai to the Gap behind Morrison Hill, where the new temple has been erected. Major Berger kindly permitted the band of the Hongkong Regiment to be present. The Sacred Book was deposited in the building and a religious service followed. Afterwards a general meeting was held at which there were present Subadar Ikbal Singh, R.A., president of the committee; Jemadar Lal Singh, H.K. Police, vice-president; Lala Sham Das, representing the Hindus on the committee; Seth Wasia Mall, representing the merchants and Sirdar Kehr Singh, representing the watch-men; Bhai Raga Singh, priest; Subadar-Major Sirdar Khan, H.K.R. (who assisted in getting the band); Subadar Teja Singh, former president of the committee, who came from Singapore to take part in the ceremony; Subadar-Major Sri Garjadhar Pershed, 5th Hyderabad Regt.; Subadar Langh, 22nd Bombay Inf. A number of Europeans were also present, including Mr. B. Brotherton Harker, the architect.
After a statement by Lada Sham Das in Hindustani, Subadar Teja Singh gave an address in English. He pointed out that in the Colony there was a Sikh and Hindu community of about 700, but that though the R.A., the Police and the merchants had each a copy of the Sacred Book at their respective places, there had hitherto been no centre where they could jointly offer their prayers and engage in the service. The provision of such a place had been thought of for the last twenty years, but the heavy cost had always stood in the way of its accomplishment. The coming of the China Field Force brought an opportunity however of their wishes being carried out. The Sikhs in the Force were asked to subscribe and every soldier, policeman and watchman in the Colony gave one month's pay and merchants one month's income. (Hear, hear.) The China Field Force assisted them very ably and other outside stations sent in their portions. For their success in securing a site from the Government thanks were due to Captain Bland, R.A., Mr. May of the Police, His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, and Mr. Ormsby of the P.W.D. The subscriptions were limited to Sikhs and Hindus. They had not thought it necessary to appeal to others for support and, thank God ! they had been able to effect their purpose, though they had no doubt that had they appealed to others that appeal would not have been made in vain. Among the subscriptions worth noting were $2,500 from the H.K. Police, $2,285 from the Nos. 1 and 2 Companies, H.K.S.B.R.A., $1,461 from the China Field Force, $223 from the Victoria Gaol, and $684 from the Shanghai Municipal Police. The total sum amounted to about $10,500. After expressing the hope that the Public Works Department would grant permission for the erection of the proposed small crematorium, Subadar Teja Kingh went on to say that their special thanks were due to Mr. Harker, who had kindly assisted them in getting the temple ready under circumstances of considerable difficulty and had done so in a manner reflecting the greatest credit upon him. He had now every great pleasure in asking Mr. Harker to accept, for Mrs. Harker, a ring as a token of their appreciation of his services, and he wished him and his wife long life and prosperity. (Applause.)
Mr. Brotherton Harker, in acknowledging the gift - a handsome gold ring set in diamonds - thanked the donors very heartily for their kindness. That gift was a token of their appreciation of his endeavours to construct their temple to the best of his ability. The circumstances attending its construction had rendered his take ((sic. should be "task"?)) rather difficult, but he was pleased to think that his work had given them satisfaction. (Applause.)
The building is a handsome structure reflecting credit on the architect, Mr. B. Brotherton Harker, who has had to contend with circumstances of considerable difficulty in connection with the work. The basement floor is arranged as a shelter for strangers and will accommodate 30 or so such. A cook-house and offices are adjoining. Above is the temple proper, a spacious oblong apartment, 30 feet by 50 feet, running the whole length of the building and opening out on to balconies on each side. At the upper end sits the officiating priest, and the floor is laid with carpets for the worshippers. The hall is approached from the front by a broad flight of steps. The facade of the temple is of Moresque design and presents a very pretty appearance. Except for the grant of a site by the Government, the entire cost of erection of the temple has been borne by the Sikh and Hindu community of this and some neighbouring coast towns. Yesterday's ceremony was the culmination of a design which the Sikh and Hindu community in these parts have fondly cherished for something like twenty years. The $12,000 or so that the completed temple and crematorium are estimated to cost have been almost alll subscribed, but only by the exercise of great self-denial on the part of those concerned. It is unfortunate that now, when the scheme is on the direct road to completion, an objection should have been put forward by the Government to the effect that they cannot authorise the construction of the crematorium in the form proposed. Hitherto the cremation of the Sikh dead has been carried out by the primitive method of a wood-fire in the open air. In connection with the temple a crematorium was proposed to be built at a cost of $500 or $600 which would have sufficed for all the needs of the community, but the authorities decline to sanction such a structure and recommend the erection of a crematorium on the European model. Such a place would cost anything from $20,000 to $30,000 and as the cost of cremating a dead body in that fashion is correspondingly expensive as compared with the present system, the Sikhs find themselves quite unable to follow the Government's recommendations.
sikh temple
the bombed out building looks quite different
http://thesikharmy.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/gurdwara_hongkong.jpg
Re: Sikh Temple
Thanks 80sKid for the link!
"In the 1930's the number of Sikhs continued to grow and the Gurudwara was needed to be rebuilt for a larger Sangat (Sikh community)." (Source is here)
This first generation temple
This first generation temple was demolished in 1933, as described on page 7 of the China Mail, 1933-09-14:
NEW SIKH TEMPLE FOR COLONY
Demolition Work Begun.
NEW EDIFICE TWICE SIZE OF OLD
Demolition work has begun on the old Sikh Temple in Gap Road, in preparation for the erection of a new temple which is to be twice the size of the old one.
Owing to the rapid growth of the Sikh community in Hong Kong, it has for some time past been evident that the old temple was inadequate to accommodate the continually increasing throngs of worshippers, and the Committee of the Khalsa Diwan have therefore decided to build a new and larger one.
The new temple is expected to be ready in about 6 months' time.
The old temple was built in 1902 by contributions and subscriptions from members of the local Sikh community, to provide facilities for public worship by adherents of the Sikh faith and at the same time to provide guest accommodation for needy visitors passing through the Colony. Since 1902 the temple buildings have been considerably enlarged and improved, and a crematorium added in 1917.