Mendocino in Mendocino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Temple Kwan Tai
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2007
1. Temple Kwan Tai Marker
[California Registered Historical Landmark description states: One of the oldest of California's Chinese houses of worship in continuous use, the temple may date back as far as 1854, though its documented history reaches only to 1883. The Chinese built many temples in California, but most have been destroyed, and no others remain on the North Coast.] (Marker Number 927.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Landmarks • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 39° 18.325′ N, 123° 48.064′ W. Marker is in Mendocino, California, in Mendocino County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45160 Albion Street, Mendocino CA 95460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ford House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mendocino Masonic Hall (about 800 feet away); Mendocino Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Point Cabrillo Light Station (approx.
this page online
Regarding Temple Kwan Tai. A Chinese Taoist temple built by the first Chinese settlers in the early 1850's. It s the oldest taoist temple in Northern Califonia. The temple is dedicated to Kwan Tai, the Chinese god of war. The outside of the building has a sign that says from (right to left) "mo Dai Miu", translates to mean "Temple to the Military God"
Source: Mendocino County Museums
Also see . . .
1. Joss House: Taoist Temples of California: Temple of Kwan Tai-Mendocino. (Submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. The Temple of Kwan Tai. Official records report the sale of the temple's Albion Street site to the Chinese in 1867. A Beacon article describes formal opening ceremonies held on November 4, 1882. Since 1871, when the deed was recorded to Lee Sing John, successive generations of the Hee Family
Photographed By Henry M Kohnen, October 17, 2014
2. Temple Kwan Tai Interior
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2016
3. Temple Kwan Tai Interior
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2007
4. Temple Kwan Tai
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,930 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on December 12, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Henry M Kohnen of San Jose, California. 3. submitted on August 7, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
