2008 Woodie Awards
Celebration on the way
Rajdeep Kaur
Issue date: 10/28/05 Section: News
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The day selected for the opening of the temple by Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan (free divine communion) was the 426th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith. The temple was designed by W.B. Thomas of Stockton and built by A. J. McPhee for about $3,000.
In 1929 a new temple was constructed on an enlarged foundation of the old building. The old building was converted into a library, which holds pictures, books, and a copy of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scriptures). The new building was built with $35,000 budget.
The Stockton gurudwara has played a central role in the Sikh community. It serves as a combination church, dining hall, rest home, political forum and sanctuary, where Punjabi culture and language are understood. It is the venue for wedding ceremony, birthdays, baptizing, baby naming, and memorial services for the deceased.
Morning and evening services are conducted every day. The gurudwara annually celebrates the gurpurbs (celebrations of the birth, death, and important events of various gurus' lives), readings of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scriptures). It also serves langar (meals prepared in a communal kitchen) to anyone who wishes to participate. The gurudwara plays host to visiting Sikh sants (holy men) and devotional singers from India and abroad.
"Frist line says God is one. It ends that we pray for welfare and prosperity for all the humanity all over the world," Amrik Dhaliwal, president of the groupware said, regarding the purpose of the gurudwara and Sikhism.
The gurudwara tries to teach younger generations about Sikh culture, language and religion. The gurudwara holds Sunday school where children are taught to read and write Punjabi, sing hymns, and play musical instruments. The classes are taught by volunteers and priests.
For more information visit the Stockton Sikh Temple at 1930 South Grant Street.