Location Marysville, California NRHP Reference # 75000498 Designated CHISL 1975 Opened 1880 Added to NRHP 21 May 1975 | Built 1880 CHISL # 889 Area 404.7 m² Phone +1 650-678-8246 | |
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Address 1st St & D St, Marysville, CA 95901, USA Similar Ellis Lake, Mary Aaron Memorial Museum, Packard Library, Sutter Buttes, Temple of Kwan Tai Profiles | ||
Bok kai temple museum project
The Bok Kai Temple (北溪廟) is a traditional Chinese temple in the city of Marysville, California, located at the corner of D and First Streets, and served as the center of what was a bustling Chinatown for a small town.
Contents
Bok kai temple
History
In 1854, five years after the first contingent of Chinese arrived in California to work the gold mines during the California Gold Rush, a temple was erected in Marysville to serve the immigrant population. The foremost of the gods that are worshiped is Xuan Wu, (玄武 "Dark Warrior" or "Mysterious Warrior"), a deity in Chinese religion believed to govern the north and rain, hence its place of reverence at Bok Kai Temple, or northern creek temple.
The original temple was destroyed by fire, and was replaced in 1880. The temple remains a primary focus of the present Marysville Chinese community, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the temple.
Current use
The temple is infrequently used as an active place of worship, but is preserved as both a California Historical Landmark and as a protected property on the National Register of Historic Places. A Bok Kai festival and parade is held annually in the spring, during which time the temple is opened for ceremonies as well as for interested parties to tour. Other tours may be arranged by contacting the Temple caretaker.