Old Sikh Temple   

The construction of a Sikh temple, a Gurdwara, had been a precious dream among the first Indo-Canadian immigrants to Abbotsford. For the first few years, a house in the community of Maple Grove was used as a place for religious worship. The dream of building a Gurdwara was finally realized in 1911 when the Trethewey family (owners of the Abbotsford Lumber Company, the largest employer of Sikhs in Abbotsford at the time) offered free lumber to build the temple. The Abbotsford Gurdwara was finished in 1911 and officially opened on February 25, 1912. It is considered to be the oldest Sikh temple in Canada, perhaps in North America, that is still in existence.

The Gurdwara construction was initiated by Sunder Singh, an employee of the Abbotsford Lumber Company who became a leader in the local Indo-Canadian community. Sunder Singh and Argin Singh purchased the site property for $3000, then persuaded other Sikhs to loan money totaling about $2000 to support the project. The wood used in construction of the temple was donated by the Abbotsford Lumber Company on Mill Lake and carried to the construction site by hand by Sikh men. They constructed the building with great care, evidenced by the soundness of the building today.

It was built on a high section of ground, as was the practice in India, and could be seen from miles around. Also it was built in a western storefront style; in order to assimilate into the new western culture the men found themselves in. The completion had a duel meaning for the Sikhs. First, it showed that the multicultural Abbotsford community accepted their religion. Second, the temple united the Sikh community itself.  The Gurdwara became the centre of social life for the men who came to Canada to improve themselves and conditions for their families and villages back home in India. It was much more than a church. It was somewhere to stay when no other was available. Many Indo-Canadians stayed at the Gurdwara in Hong Kong while waiting to pass medical examinations and be accepted for entry into Canada.

The doors were always open and a meal was always offered. Many Indo-Canadians who were not Sikh, found acceptance and sustenance at the Abbotsford Gurdwara.

Canadian immigration laws did not allow wives and minor children to join the Sikh men who worked along side the other pioneers in developing this "new country" until 1919. The Gurdwara was a home away from home.

There were many priests who served the Abbotsford Gurdwara. Nermel Singh was the first priest or Granthi. Daya Singh took over in 1920. Following tradition, he worked in the mill and was Granthi at the same time. After his death in 1929, Naranjan Singh, a dairy farmer, became priest. During his residence, the temple doubled in size as two residential rooms were added for him. Later, Sunder Singh was priest.

Najar Singh Gill tells us that in the Abbotsford Gurdwara's early years; it was difficult to pay taxes for the temple because people could only afford to give donations of $1 on each visit. The revenue of the Gurdwara was dependent on this to a considerable extent. As the Sikh population in Abbotsford and Mission increased over the years, the condition gradually improved.

A 1947 article in the A.S.M. News described the temple as being surrounded with fruit trees. The original flagpole was erected November 16, 1918 and an inscription on the cement staircase indicated it was built by Sunder Singh of Sumas Prairie, June 25, 1939. The flagpole, Nishan Sahib, was donated by his wife, Harnam Kaur (also known as Mahendar Kaur). The sign over the staircase advised that no one under the influence of liquor or using tobacco would be admitted.

The new Gurdwara on South Fraser Way was built across the street from the original one on property donated by the Thandi family. Permit to erect the building was granted January 5, 1982 to the Khalsa Diwan Society of Abbotsford. Cove Excavating & Landscaping Ltd. was listed as general contractor.

Prayers are held in the Temple in the morning and evening, and the congregation assembles on Sunday for the weekly service. Sikhs, before entering the Gurdwara, take off the shoes and ensure that their head are covered by a turban or scarf. They bow down in front of the Holy Scriptures as a sign of respect. The congregation listens to the recitation of the scriptures, singing of devotional hymns accompanied by musical instruments, and to the explanation of Sikh philosophy.

Part of the Temple consists of the Langar, the community kitchen. Communal meals, prepared and served with joint effort symbolize service and equality. Person of all religions, castes, and races can attend the Sikh Temple and can partake of food in the Langar.