Illustrated Times, December 6, 1856
London, United Kingdom
A BUDDHIST TEMPLE AT SAN FRANCISCO.
THE Chinese emigrating to California have of late years been so numerous, that they have organised themselves into an association, and established their headquarters in the town of San Francisco. This association numbers upwards of nine thousand, the greater part of whom are employed in the various factories and places of business. The most wealthy and intelligent of the members reside in San Francisco, and have there erected a large brick building, which is used as a refuge for their poor, an hospital for their sick, a depot for their articles of trade, and an office for the directors of the association. A portion of the building is reserved for the celebration of their religious rites, which they now allow tlie "barbarians" to witness. The interior of the temple is separated from the general building by a long passage, leading into a large hall. On each side of the hall are placed seats made of ebony wood, and covered with a blue stuff elaborately embroidered in red silk. From this hall access is obtained to the chapel; and of the chapel a good idea will be formed from the accompanying engraving (below).
On a large table, placed immediately in front of the altar, and richly painted, stand lighted tapers and three metal vases. The lid of one of these vases is formed by the distorted body of a dragon, from whose open jaws the smoke of the burning incense issues. Next to this is another table, on which are laid out dishes of roasted pork, a ram, a boiled chicken, and a variety of stews, sweetmeats, cakes, and perfumed matches, which burn slowly and without flame. The altar, seen beyond the tables, is most curiously carved, elaborately gilded, and painted with highlyglazed colours. In the centre is placed the idol, or rather image, of Ching Tal, a famous Chinese warrior, whose bravery on earth was so great that he was deified. The figure, which is seated, is life-size, and the face, painted red, makes a striking contrast with the white enamel of the eyes and the large black moustaches. The robes of the figure are profusely ornamented with jewels.
The roof of this chapel is covered with a number of strips of wood, on which are painted a variety of religious maxims, which are devoutly read by the faithful. Brilliantly-painted lanterns illuminate the chapel.
This edifice has been built at considerable expense, the whole of the decorations having been procured from China. Many persons, while witnessing the various ceremonies, have been struck with their analogy to those performed in Christian places of worship, particularly in Roman Catholic churches.